Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.

There is a gender gap in the global literacy rate. Although literacy rates have generally increased worldwide for both men and women, men are on average more literate than women. As of 2023, about 90.6 percent of men and a little less than 84.1 percent of women in the world were literate. Adult literacy rate is defined as the percentage of people aged 15 years and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. Youth literacy rate Not only does the literacy gender gap concern adults, it also exists among the world’s younger generations aged 15 to 24. Despite an overall increase in literacy, young men are still more literate than young women. In fact, the global youth literacy rate as gender parity index was 0.98 as of 2023, indicating that young women are not yet as literate as young men. Gender pay gap Gender gaps occur in many different spheres of global society. One such issue concerns salary gender gaps in the professional life. Regarding the controlled gender pay gap, which measures the median salary for men and women with the same job and qualifications, women still earned less than men as of 2024. The difference was even bigger when measuring the median salary for all men and women. However, not everyone worries about gender pay gaps. According to a survey from 2021, 54 percent of the female respondents deemed the gender pay gap a real problem, compared to 45 percent of the male respondents.

In 2023, 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 25 percent. Adult illiteracy rate is defined as the percentage of the population aged 15 and older who can not read or write. Even though illiteracy continues to persist around the world, illiteracy levels have been reduced significantly over the past decades.

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in Serbia was reported at 99 % in 2019, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Serbia - Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

United States - Literacy Rate, Adult Total for the Arab World was 73.36777 % of People Ages 15 and Above in January of 2020, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Literacy Rate, Adult Total for the Arab World reached a record high of 75.76682 in January of 2017 and a record low of 44.90297 in January of 1977. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Literacy Rate, Adult Total for the Arab World - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on March of 2025.

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in Rwanda was reported at 79 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Rwanda - Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in Spain was reported at 99 % in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Spain - Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.

The statistic shows the degree of adult literacy in China from 1982 to 2020. In 2020, the literacy rate, which is defined as people aged 15 and above who can read and write, had reached about 97.15 percent in China.

Global literacy rates

By 2020, around 86.8 percent of the world population aged 15 years and above had been able to read and write. While in developed regions this figure ranged a lot higher, only around 67 percent of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa was literate. Countries with the lowest literacy rates are also the most underdeveloped worldwide. According to UNESCO, literacy is a human right, especially in a fast-changing and technology-driven world. In China, the literacy rate has developed from 79 percent in 1982 to 97 percent in 2020, indicating that almost one million people per year had become literate over three decades. In India, the situation was entirely different. The second most populous country in the world displayed a literacy rate of merely 76 percent in 2022.

Literacy in China

The dramatic increase in literacy in China has a lot to do with the efficacy of numerous political, economic and educational policies. In 1982, compulsory education was written into the Chinese constitution, postulating a nine-year compulsory education funded by the government. As is shown by the graph above, there was a large gender gap in literacy rate in China as of 1982. Though this gap still existed in 2020, it was narrowed down to three percent, starting from 28 percent in 1982. Since 1990, the national education policy was directed at females, especially from poor and/or minority families. Over the past years, China has achieved gender parity in primary schooling.

However, regional literacy disparities in China should not to be overlooked. Regions with a strong economic background tend to display illiteracy rates below national average. In contrast, economically underdeveloped regions have a much larger share of people who cannot read nor write. Tibet for instance, a region where 92 percent of the population belong to an ethnic minority, showed the highest illiterate rate nationwide, with around 34 percent in 2022.

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in United Arab Emirates was reported at 98 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United Arab Emirates - Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on February of 2025.

As per the estimates for the year 2023, the literacy rate among women in India was 70 percent. Meanwhile, the literacy rate among their male Indian counterparts reached approximately 85 percent in the same period. The adult literacy rate in the country stood at 77 percent.

Literacy in India has been increasing as more and more people receive a better education, but it is still far from all-encompassing. In 2022, the degree of literacy in India was about 76.32 percent, with the majority of literate Indians being men. It is estimated that the global literacy rate for people aged 15 and above is about 86 percent. How to read a literacy rateIn order to identify potential for intellectual and educational progress, the literacy rate of a country covers the level of education and skills acquired by a country’s inhabitants. Literacy is an important indicator of a country’s economic progress and the standard of living – it shows how many people have access to education. However, the standards to measure literacy cannot be universally applied. Measures to identify and define illiterate and literate inhabitants vary from country to country: In some, illiteracy is equated with no schooling at all, for example. Writings on the wallGlobally speaking, more men are able to read and write than women, and this disparity is also reflected in the literacy rate in India – with scarcity of schools and education in rural areas being one factor, and poverty another. Especially in rural areas, women and girls are often not given proper access to formal education, and even if they are, many drop out. Today, India is already being surpassed in this area by other emerging economies, like Brazil, China, and even by most other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. To catch up, India now has to offer more educational programs to its rural population, not only on how to read and write, but also on traditional gender roles and rights.

Literacy rate, youth female (% of females ages 15-24) in Tonga was reported at 99.5 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Tonga - Literacy rate, youth female (% of females ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes (%) in Gabon was reported at 66.85 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Gabon - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female (%) in Colombia was reported at 83.21 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Colombia - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female (%) in Uzbekistan was reported at 99.8 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Uzbekistan - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.

Literacy rate, adult male (% of males ages 15 and above) in Kenya was reported at 85.58 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Kenya - Literacy rate, adult male (% of males ages 15 and above) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Adult Education market will grow at a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 7.50% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for Adult Education is rising due to promotions or better job performance.
Demand for online courses and certification courses in the Adult Education market.
The offline teaching and formal structure learning category held the highest Adult Education market revenue share in 2023.
North America will continue to lead, whereas the EuropeAdult Education market will experience the strongest growth until 2030

Gaining Promotions or Better Job Performance to Provide Viable Market Output

The adult education market is witnessing a surge driven by a growing demand for career advancement. Professionals seek upskilling and specialized training to secure promotions and enhance job performance. This trend fuels a robust market for targeted courses, workshops, and certifications catering to diverse industries and sectors. Employers increasingly recognize the value of continuous learning, leading to employer-sponsored programs.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers various adult courses, including agriculture, business, engineering, and natural resources. The university reported revenue of $358 million.

(Source: www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/press-releases/usda-nifa-invests-education-alaska-native-serving-native-hawaiian-serving)

Additionally, technological advancements facilitate convenient online learning options, further expanding the market reach. As a result, the adult education sector displays promising growth prospects, with a focus on tangible outcomes such as career progression and improved job effectiveness.

Technological Advancements to Propel Market Growth

The adult education market is poised for significant growth, driven by rapid technological advancements. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and online learning platforms, is revolutionizing how adults access and engage with educational content.

The University of Illinois at Springfield provides several online courses and degree programs for adults. The university focuses on areas of study such as healthcare, business, and education. The university's revenue was $123 million.

(Source: nces.ed.gov/npec/pdf/kuh_team_report.pdf)

It has led to a surge in personalized, interactive learning experiences catering to diverse learner preferences. Additionally, the convenience and flexibility offered by digital platforms have expanded the market's reach, overcoming traditional barriers like geographical constraints. As a result, the adult education market is witnessing a surge in demand, with robust growth projected in the coming years as technology continues to redefine the learning landscape.

Growing global literacy rates and a keen interest in adult learning

Market Dynamics Of Adult Education

Financial Barriers to Hinder Market Growth

The adult education market faces significant restraints, with financial barriers being prominent. Many potential learners grapple with limited disposable income, deterring them from investing in further education. Tuition fees, course materials, and associated costs pose formidable challenges, particularly for those with fixed or low incomes. Additionally, adult learners often have existing financial responsibilities, such as mortgages and family expenses, further limiting their capacity to allocate funds for education. These financial constraints hinder accessibility and participation, necessitating innovative solutions, such as scholarships, grants, or affordable financing options, to foster a more inclusive and equitable adult education landscape.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Adult Education Market

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the adult education market. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, traditional in-person learning faced significant disruptions. It led to a surge in demand for online adult education, creating a booming market for e-learning platforms, virtual workshops, and professional development courses. Additionally, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools, making remote learning more accessible. However, challenges arose for individuals who need reliable internet access or digital literacy skills. Overall, COVID-19 reshaped the adult education landscape, emphasizin...

India Union Budget: Resources of Public Enterprises: Department of School Education and Literacy data was reported at 4,250.000 INR mn in 2021. India Union Budget: Resources of Public Enterprises: Department of School Education and Literacy data is updated yearly, averaging 4,250.000 INR mn from Mar 2021 (Median) to 2021, with 1 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,250.000 INR mn in 2021 and a record low of 4,250.000 INR mn in 2021. India Union Budget: Resources of Public Enterprises: Department of School Education and Literacy data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Finance. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Government and Public Finance – Table IN.FB038: Union Budget: Resources of Public Enterprises. 2025-2026 – Budget Estimates 2024-2025 – Revised Estimates 2023-2022 & Before – Actuals