Cambodia Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Cambodia's youth literacy rate was 96.02% in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1998–2025.
Overview
Cambodia's youth literacy rate stood at 96.02% in 2025, a decline of +0.55pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 96.02% by 2025. Cambodia ranked 43rd globally.
Cambodia’s youth literacy rate has risen sharply from a low of 76.32 % in 1998, the all‑time trough, to 96.02 % in 2025, placing the country at 43rd globally. The upward trajectory peaked in 2023 at 96.57 %, indicating that recent gains have slightly receded but remain well above the 1998 baseline. This progress mirrors advances in comparable middle‑income nations; for example, Egypt recorded a youth literacy rate of 96.21 % and South Africa reached 96.84 % in the same period, underscoring a regional convergence toward universal basic education. The 14‑year coverage period reflects sustained policy emphasis on primary schooling, teacher training, and community outreach, which together have expanded access for adolescents. Continued investment in digital learning resources and rural school infrastructure will be crucial to sustain the upward momentum and potentially surpass the 2023 peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 96.41% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 96.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 96.02% | −0.55pp | #43 |
| 2023 | 96.57% | +4.74pp | #26 |
| 2021 | 91.83% | −2.49pp | #34 |
| 2020 | 94.32% | −0.44pp | #33 |
| 2019 | 94.76% | +2.55pp | #46 |
| 2015 | 92.21% | +2.07pp | #33 |
| 2014 | 90.14% | −0.61pp | #34 |
| 2013 | 90.75% | +11.31pp | #30 |
| 2010 | 79.44% | −7.68pp | #45 |
| 2009 | 87.12% | −0.35pp | #33 |
| 2008 | 87.47% | +9.51pp | #26 |
| 2005 | 77.96% | −5.42pp | #24 |
| 2004 | 83.38% | +7.06pp | #19 |
| 1998 | 76.32% | – | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cambodia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambodia's youth literacy rate was 96.02% in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
Cambodia's youth literacy rate peaked at 96.57% in 2023.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Cambodia was 76.32% in 1998.
Cambodia ranks 43rd globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cambodia's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 96.02% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Cambodia in 2025 was 96.02%. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cambodia_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Cambodia Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cambodia/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}