Gabon Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Gabon's literacy rate was 88.86% in 2021, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 23.0% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1993–2021.
Overview
Gabon's literacy rate stood at 88.86% in 2021, a rise of +16.63pp from 1993. Gabon ranked 24th globally.
Gabon's adult literacy rate rose from 72.23 % in 1993 to 88.86 % in 2021, marking a sustained improvement over three decades and placing the country at 24th in the world in the most recent year. The all‑time peak of 88.86 % coincides with the latest data point, indicating that the upward trajectory has continued without reversal since the trough recorded in the early 1990s. This progress narrows the gap with regional peers; for example, South Africa reported a literacy rate of 90.00 % and Iran, Islamic Republic of 88.46 % in the same period, while El Salvador marginally exceeds Gabon at 89.06 %. The consistent rise reflects expanded primary education access and adult learning programmes, yet the remaining margin to the top‑tier performers suggests further gains are possible through increased investment in secondary and vocational schooling. Continued policy focus on quality and inclusivity will be crucial to sustain the positive trend and push the rate beyond the current peak.
Data & projection
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Gabon matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Gabon's literacy rate was 88.86% in 2021. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 23.0% increase from the previous year.
Gabon's literacy rate peaked at 88.86% in 2021.
The lowest literacy rate in Gabon was 72.23% in 1993.
Gabon ranks 24th globally in literacy rate as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The literacy rate of Gabon in 2021 was 88.86%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_gabon_literacy-rate,
title = {Gabon Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/gabon/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}