Kuwait Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Kuwait's youth literacy rate was 99.30% in 2020, ranked 14th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2020.
Overview
Kuwait's youth literacy rate stood at 99.30% in 2020, a rise of +0.22pp from 2018. Kuwait ranked 14th globally.
Kuwait’s youth literacy rate has risen dramatically from an all‑time trough of 72.22 % in 1975 to a near‑universal level of 99.30 % in 2020, placing the country 14th globally. The ascent peaked in 2005 at 99.73 %, after which the rate has held steady above the 99 % mark for the past fifteen years. This progression mirrors the rapid expansion of public education and substantial investment in school infrastructure that began in the 1970s, enabling Kuwait to close the gap with peer nations such as Peru, whose rate stands at 99.44 %. Despite the high ceiling, modest fluctuations remain possible, as the most recent figure is marginally below the 2005 peak. Continued emphasis on curriculum quality, digital learning resources, and inclusive policies for marginalized groups will be crucial to sustain the upward trajectory and potentially push Kuwait’s youth literacy beyond its historic high.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 99.30% | +0.22pp | #14 |
| 2018 | 99.08% | −0.16pp | #16 |
| 2017 | 99.24% | −0.02pp | #13 |
| 2015 | 99.26% | +0.11pp | #10 |
| 2013 | 99.15% | +0.37pp | #11 |
| 2012 | 98.78% | −0.12pp | #19 |
| 2010 | 98.90% | +0.26pp | #9 |
| 2008 | 98.64% | +0.19pp | #10 |
| 2007 | 98.45% | −0.06pp | #12 |
| 2006 | 98.51% | −1.22pp | #9 |
| 2005 | 99.73% | +7.69pp | #2 |
| 1995 | 92.04% | +4.58pp | #4 |
| 1985 | 87.46% | +8.48pp | #5 |
| 1980 | 78.98% | +6.76pp | #18 |
| 1975 | 72.22% | – | #3 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kuwait matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. 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
Kuwait's youth literacy rate was 99.30% in 2020. Ranked 14th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Kuwait's youth literacy rate peaked at 99.73% in 2005.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Kuwait was 72.22% in 1975.
Kuwait ranks 14th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The youth literacy rate of Kuwait in 2020 was 99.30%. This ranks 14th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kuwait_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Kuwait Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kuwait/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}