South Africa—Youth Literacy Rate (%)
Category: EducationSource: World Bank World Development IndicatorsGlobal Rank: #45 of 88
Latest Value
97.2%
2024
YoY Change
+0.5%
2021 → 2024
Global Rank
#45
of 88 countries
Maximum
99.0%
2015
Minimum
96.7%
2021
CAGR
-0.0%
11 years
Last
97.2%
Previous
96.7%
Highest
99.0%
Lowest
96.7%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
Source: World Bank World Development Indicators
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 97.2% | +0.5% |
| 2021 | 96.7% | -1.7% |
| 2019 | 98.4% | +1.8% |
| 2016 | 96.7% | -2.3% |
| 2015 | 99.0% | +0.1% |
| 2014 | 98.9% | +0.0% |
| 2012 | 98.9% | +0.1% |
| 2011 | 98.8% | +0.2% |
| 2010 | 98.6% | +0.3% |
| 2009 | 98.4% | +0.8% |
| 2007 | 97.6% |
Top Countries — Youth Literacy Rate (%)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uzbekistan | 100.0% | 2022 |
| 2 | San Marino | 100.0% | 2022 |
| 3 | Tuvalu | 100.0% | 2022 |
| 4 | Romania | 99.9% | 2021 |
| 5 | Russian Federation | 99.9% | 2021 |
| 6 | Turkmenistan | 99.9% | 2022 |
| 7 | Singapore | 99.9% | 2021 |
| 8 | Saudi Arabia | 99.9% | 2024 |
| 9 | Armenia | 99.9% | 2023 |
| 10 | Azerbaijan | 99.9% | 2023 |
About This Indicator
Definition
Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.
Methodology
Data compiled by Data API, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), uri: https://databrowser.uis.unesco.org/resources, note: The data are obtained through the UIS API. Detailed documentation is available at: https://api.uis.unesco.org/api/public/documentation/, publisher: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), type: Excel (bulk file), date accessed: 2025-09-22, date published: 2025-09.
Source: World Bank - World Development IndicatorsView original source →