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South Africa Adult Literacy Rate

South Africa's adult literacy rate fell to 90% in 2021, down from 95% in 2019, according to World Bank. This represents a decrease of 5% from the previous year. South Africa has adult literacy rate lower than the global median (90.00% vs median 93.38%). Compared with the median in Africa, South Africa is higher (90.00% vs regional median 75.02%) and ranks 7th out of 50 countries in Africa.

Yearly Historical Data (1980-2021)

(in %)
Year Adult Literacy Rate (%)
2021 90%
2019 95%
2017 87%
2016 91.74%
2015 94%
2014 94%
2012 94%
2011 93%
2010 93%
2009 93%
2007 89%
1996 82%
1980 76%
South Africa Adult Literacy Rate : Definition
Adult Literacy Rate measures the percentage of people in South Africa aged 15 and older who can read and write.
Indicator Last Value Prior Value Period
Happiness Index 5.21 points 5.42 points 2024
Homicide Rate 41.87 33.96 2021
Population 64.01M 63.21M 2024
Primary Enrollment Rate 96.1% 98.12% 2022