South Africa: Youth literacy rate, ages 15-24
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
| South Africa |
Youth literacy rate, ages 15-24 |
|---|---|
| Latest value | 97.17 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Measure | percent |
| Data availability | 1980 - 2024 |
| Average | 96.78 |
| Min - Max | 85.17 - 98.96 |
| Source | UNESCO |
The latest value from 2024 is 97.17 percent, an increase from 96.7 percent in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 95.13 percent, based on data from 29 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1980 to 2024 is 96.78 percent. The minimum value, 85.17 percent, was reached in 1980 while the maximum of 98.96 percent was recorded in 2015.
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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.
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| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education spending, percent of GDP | 6.02 | 2024 | percent |
| Education spending, percent of government spending | 19.14 | 2025 | percent |
| Literacy rate | 91.15 | 2024 | percent |
| Female literacy rate, ages 15-24 | 97.99 | 2024 | percent |
| Male literacy rate, ages 15-24 | 96.34 | 2024 | percent |
| Youth literacy rate, ages 15-24 | 97.17 | 2024 | percent |
| Student teacher ratio, primary school | 30.33 | 2015 | students per teacher |
| Primary school completion rate | 95.33 | 2023 | percent |
| School starting age, primary school | 7 | 2025 | years |
| Female to male ratio, primary school pupils | 0.96 | 2020 | percent |
| Female to male ratio, secondary school students | 1.09 | 2020 | percent |
| Female to male ratio, students at tertiary level education | 1.42 | 2023 | percent |
| Preprimary school enrollment | 17.55 | 2020 | percent |
| Primary school enrollment | 101.77 | 2023 | percent |
| Secondary school enrollment | 104.13 | 2023 | percent |
| Tertiary school enrollment | 23.49 | 2023 | percent |
| Trained teachers in primary education | 77.92 | 2002 | percent |