The average for 2021 based on 11 countries was 98.77 percent. The highest value was in Latvia: 99.89 percent and the lowest value was in Malta: 94.94 percent. The indicator is available from 1970 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Graph and download economic data for Literacy Rate, Adult Total for the Euro Area (SEADTLITRZSEMU) from 1988 to 2016 about literacy, adult, Euro Area, Europe, and rate.

In 2024, the illiteracy rate among adults aged 15 years and older was almost 32 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa. In South Asia, the illiteracy rate was 21.77 percent. The adult illiteracy rate is defined as the percentage of the population aged 15 and older who cannot read or write. Even though illiteracy continues to persist around the world, illiteracy levels have been reduced significantly over the past decades.

The average for 2021 based on 11 countries was 99.53 percent. The highest value was in Romania: 100 percent and the lowest value was in Bulgaria: 98.27 percent. The indicator is available from 1970 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The focus of this domain is on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries on the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean (ENP-South), namely:

• Algeria (DZ),
• Egypt (EG),
• Israel (IL),
• Jordan (JO),
• Lebanon (LB),
• Libya (LY),
• Morocco (MA),
• Palestine (PS) (¹),
• Syria (SY) and
• Tunisia (TN).

An extensive range of indicators is presented in this domain, including indicators from almost every theme covered by European statistics. Only annual data are published in this domain.

The data and their denomination in no way constitute the expression of an opinion by the European Commission on the legal status of a country or territory or on the delimitation of its borders.

Data supplied by and under the responsibility of the national statistical authorities of each of the countries or territories.

(¹) This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.

In the past five decades, the global literacy rate among adults has grown from 67 percent in 1976 to 87.36 percent in 2023. In 1976, males had a literacy rate of 76 percent, compared to a rate of 58 percent among females. This difference of over 17 percent in 1976 has fallen to just seven percent in 2020. Although gaps in literacy rates have fallen across all regions in recent decades, significant disparities remain across much of South Asia and Africa, while the difference is below one percent in Europe and the Americas. Reasons for these differences are rooted in economic and cultural differences across the globe. In poorer societies, families with limited means are often more likely to invest in their sons' education, while their daughters take up a more domestic role. Varieties do exist on national levels, however, and female literacy levels can sometimes exceed the male rate even in impoverished nations, such as Lesotho (where the difference was over 17 percent in 2014); nonetheless, these are exceptions to the norm.

This dataset provides values for LITERACY RATE ADULT TOTAL PERCENT OF PEOPLE AGES 15 AND ABOVE WB DATA.HTML reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Graph and download economic data for Literacy Rate, Adult Total for Central Europe and the Baltics (SEADTLITRZSCEB) from 1981 to 2024 about Central Europe, Baltics, literacy, adult, Europe, and rate.

Historical dataset showing European Union literacy rate by year from N/A to N/A.

When asked about "Attitudes towards the internet", most German respondents pick "It is important to me to have mobile internet access in any place" as an answer. 49 percent did so in our online survey in 2025. Looking to gain valuable insights about users of internet providers worldwide? Check out our reports on consumers who use internet providers. These reports give readers a thorough picture of these customers, including their identities, preferences, opinions, and methods of communication.

Literacy Rate, Adult Total for Developing Countries in Europe and Central Asia was 99.32569 % of People Ages 15 and Above in January of 2022, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Literacy Rate, Adult Total for Developing Countries in Europe and Central Asia reached a record high of 99.32569 in January of 2022 and a record low of 93.99758 in January of 1983. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Literacy Rate, Adult Total for Developing Countries in Europe and Central Asia - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Literacy Rate, Adult Total: All Income Levels for Europe and Central Asia (SEADTLITRZSECS) from 1994 to 2023 about Central Asia, literacy, adult, Europe, income, and rate.

When asked about "Attitudes towards the internet", most Italian respondents pick "It is important to me to have mobile internet access in any place" as an answer. 52 percent did so in our online survey in 2025. Looking to gain valuable insights about users of internet providers worldwide? Check out our reports on consumers who use internet providers. These reports give readers a thorough picture of these customers, including their identities, preferences, opinions, and methods of communication.

When asked about "Attitudes towards the internet", most Polish respondents pick "It is important to me to have mobile internet access in any place" as an answer. 59 percent did so in our online survey in 2025. Looking to gain valuable insights about users of internet providers worldwide? Check out our reports on consumers who use internet providers. These reports give readers a thorough picture of these customers, including their identities, preferences, opinions, and methods of communication.

The statistic depicts the literacy rate in Mexico from 2008 to 2020. The literacy rate measures the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can read and write. In 2020, Mexico's literacy rate was around 95.25 percent. The source does not provide data for 2019.Education in MexicoThe literacy rate is commonly defined as the share of people in a country who are older than 15 years and are able to read and write. In Mexico, a state with more than 115 million inhabitants, the literacy rate is above 90 percent, making it significantly higher than the global average. More than 70 percent of Mexico’s population is older than 15 years, a figure than has been quite consistent over the last ten years. Mexico’s compulsory education comprises grades 1 to 9, with an optional secondary education up to grade 12. Literacy is considered basic education. The lowest literacy rates can be found in African countries, the highest in Europe. Additionally, the literacy rate is one of the factors that determines a country’s ranking on the Human Development Index of the United Nations, which ranks the overall well-being of a country’s population. Apart from literacy, it also includes factors such as per-capita income, health and life expectancy and others. Mexico is currently not among the countries with the highest Human Development Index value.

As of the third quarter of 2024, nearly 50 percent of online users in the United Kingdom (UK) declined cookies on websites at least some of the time. Another 41.1 percent worried about how companies might use their online data. Furthermore, around 27 percent reported using a tool to block advertisements on the internet at least some of the time.

This statistic depicts literacy rates worldwide as of 2012, by WHO region. As of that year, it was estimated that some 64 percent of the Afrcian population aged 15 years and over were literate. In comparison, there were 99 percent literate persons in Europe.

La moyenne pour 2021 était de 99.61 pour cent. La valeur la plus élevée était au Fédération de Russie: 100 pour cent et la valeur la plus basse était au Bulgarie: 97.83 pour cent. Vous trouverez ci-dessous un graphique pour tous les pays où les données sont disponibles.

La moyenne pour 2021 était de 99.59 pour cent. La valeur la plus élevée était au Fédération de Russie: 100 pour cent et la valeur la plus basse était au Bulgarie: 98.06 pour cent. Vous trouverez ci-dessous un graphique pour tous les pays où les données sont disponibles.

Literacy Software Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Literacy Software market size reached USD 5.7 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust expansion driven by the increasing integration of digital learning solutions worldwide. The market is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 10.3% from 2025 to 2033, with the market size forecasted to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily attributed to the rising demand for personalized learning experiences, the proliferation of digital devices in educational institutions, and the urgent need to address literacy gaps across diverse demographic groups. As per our comprehensive analysis, the literacy software market is poised for significant transformation, supported by technological advancements and evolving educational paradigms.

One of the most significant growth factors for the literacy software market is the increasing adoption of digital education platforms in both traditional and non-traditional learning environments. Educational institutions are progressively shifting towards blended and remote learning models, which necessitate the use of advanced literacy software to facilitate reading, writing, and comprehension skills among students. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this transition, compelling schools and universities to invest in robust digital infrastructure and literacy tools. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in literacy software has enabled more personalized and adaptive learning experiences, catering to the unique needs of each learner. This technological evolution is not only enhancing student engagement and outcomes but also driving the overall growth trajectory of the global literacy software market.

Another crucial driver propelling the market is the growing emphasis on inclusive education and special needs support. Literacy software solutions are increasingly being designed to accommodate learners with dyslexia, visual impairments, and other learning disabilities, ensuring equitable access to quality education. Governments and educational agencies worldwide are implementing policies and funding initiatives to support the adoption of assistive technologies in classrooms. These efforts are fostering a more inclusive learning environment and expanding the addressable market for literacy software vendors. Moreover, the rising awareness among parents and educators about the benefits of early literacy intervention is further fueling demand for innovative software solutions that support foundational reading and writing skills.

The corporate sector’s focus on workforce upskilling and digital transformation is also contributing to the expansion of the literacy software market. Enterprises are increasingly recognizing the importance of strong literacy and communication skills in driving employee productivity and organizational success. As a result, corporate learning platforms are incorporating advanced literacy modules to support professional development and lifelong learning. The growing prevalence of remote and hybrid work environments has further underscored the need for scalable, cloud-based literacy solutions that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. In addition, the global push towards digital literacy as a critical component of employability is expected to sustain market growth across the enterprise segment in the coming years.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the literacy software market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high penetration of digital technologies in education, coupled with substantial investments in EdTech startups and government-led literacy initiatives, has solidified North America’s leadership position. Europe is witnessing steady growth due to the widespread adoption of e-learning platforms and strong policy support for inclusive education. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, driven by rapid urbanization, expanding internet connectivity, and increasing government focus on improving literacy rates. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also experiencing gradual market expansion, albeit at a slower pace, as digital infrastructure continues to improve across these regions.