
Literacy rate
Literacy rate, adult total (percentage of people aged 15 and above)
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Title | Literacy rate, adult total (percentage of people aged 15 and above) |
Unit of measure | Percentage |
Source data | World Bank |
Original data source | UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS) Bulk Data Download Service: https://uis.unesco.org/bdds. |
Statistical concepts and definition | The collection of literacy data typically encompasses individuals aged 15 and above, although certain countries may include younger individuals or specific age groups, potentially leading to higher reported literacy rates. The literacy rate among the youth (ages 15-24) serves as an indicator of educational advancements in recent years, representing the culmination of primary education achievements over the last decade or so. This rate illustrates the percentage of the population that has successfully completed primary education, gaining essential literacy and numeracy skills. Literacy, in this context, extends to numeracy – the capability to perform basic arithmetic operations. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics gathers literacy data through national censuses and household surveys. For nations lacking up-to-date literacy statistics, the Global Age-Specific Literacy Projection Model (GALP) is employed to estimate these figures. |
Relevance | The literacy rate serves as a key indicator of educational success and future workforce quality. It informs policy aimed at enhancing life skills across genders and acts as a measure of an education system's efficacy. High literacy rates indicate broad access to literacy skills, essential for continued intellectual, social, and economic growth, although not a direct measure of education quality. Literacy among women is crucial for improving household health, nutrition, and education, and empowers them to contribute significantly. |
Time coverage | Annual |
Sector coverage | Social/Education |
Data compilation | Measuring literacy poses challenges. Accurate literacy rate estimations often depend on census or survey data gathered under standardized conditions. While many nations rely on self-reported figures to determine literacy levels, others use educational attainment as an indicator, varying in the required duration of school attendance or completion levels. Recently, there has been a shift towards direct reading assessments in national and international surveys to gauge literacy skills more accurately. However, due to varying definitions and data collection methodologies across countries, one should interpret these data with caution. |
Relationship* | -1 |
* This field refers to the impact on vulnerability. The minus sign indicates that it has a vulnerability-decreasing impact (positive impact on resilience), and the plus sign indicates a vulnerability-increasing impact.