Literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa
South Africa: Literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes was 91.9% in 2017. ▲ Rising
Literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa, 1996–2017
Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Measured in %.
Analysis
The most recent figure for literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa is 91.9%, measured in 2017.
That represents a change of down 5.9% on the previous year and down 4.8% over ten years.
Over the whole period, literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa peaked at 97.6% in 2015 and was at its lowest, 89.7%, in 1996.
South Africa ranks 28th of 39 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
Literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa, year by year
| Year | % | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 89.7% | — |
| 2009 | 96.5% | +7.6% |
| 2010 | 96.4% | -0.1% |
| 2011 | 96.6% | +0.2% |
| 2012 | 97.3% | +0.7% |
| 2014 | 97.3% | +0.1% |
| 2015 | 97.6% | +0.3% |
| 2017 | 91.9% | -5.9% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 89.7% | 89.7% | 89.7% | 1 |
| 2000s | 96.5% | 96.5% | 96.5% | 1 |
| 2010s | 96.2% | 91.9% | 97.6% | 6 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 0.5111 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 8.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 13.63 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 0.7468 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Agricultural Soils 13.63 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 1.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure Management 1.49 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 41.1 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 63.65 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 4.07 (2050)
Frequently asked questions
- What is literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa?
- Literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes in South Africa was 91.9% in 2017, according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
- What is the highest literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 97.6% in 2015.
- What is the lowest literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 89.7% in 1996.
- How does South Africa rank for literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes?
- South Africa ranks 28th out of 39 countries with data for 2017.
- Is literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 4.8%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO Institute for Statistics, published as part of Literacy rate, population 25-64 years, urban, both sexes (%). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Percentage of the population in urban areas between age 25 and age 64 who can, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life. Generally, ‘literacy’ also encompasses ‘numeracy’, the ability to make simple arithmetic calculations. This indicator is calculated by dividing the number of literates aged 25-64 years by the corresponding age group population and multiplying the result by 100. For more information, consult the UNESCO Institute of Statistics website: http://www.uis.unesco.org/Education/