Lesotho Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Lesotho's literacy rate was 98.64% in 2025, ranked 12th globally. This represents a 9.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's literacy rate stood at 98.64% in 2025, a rise of +8.19pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.64% by 2025. Lesotho ranked 12th globally.
Lesotho’s literacy rate has risen sharply from 86.25 % in 2000 to an all‑time peak of 98.64 % in 2025, placing the nation 12th worldwide according to World Bank data. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2006, when the rate fell to a trough of 66.10 %, but subsequent reforms in primary education and adult learning programmes propelled a sustained recovery that has persisted for the last seven years of coverage. By 2025 Lesotho’s performance closely matches that of its peers, trailing Albania’s 98.68 % and edging Bahrain’s 98.62 % while remaining just below the United Arab Emirates’ 98.74 %. The convergence with these higher‑income economies reflects the effectiveness of targeted literacy interventions and expanded school enrollment. Continued investment in teacher training and digital learning resources will be crucial to maintain the upward trajectory and prevent any future reversals.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 101.53% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 100.09% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.64% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.64% | +8.19pp | #12 |
| 2024 | 90.45% | −2.05pp | #15 |
| 2019 | 92.50% | +6.26pp | #29 |
| 2018 | 86.24% | −11.03pp | #30 |
| 2016 | 97.27% | +31.17pp | #9 |
| 2006 | 66.10% | −20.15pp | #21 |
| 2000 | 86.25% | – | #22 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lesotho's literacy rate was 98.64% in 2025. Ranked 12th globally. This represents a 9.1% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's literacy rate peaked at 98.64% in 2025.
The lowest literacy rate in Lesotho was 66.10% in 2006.
Lesotho ranks 12th globally in literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's literacy rate is projected to reach 98.64% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The literacy rate of Lesotho in 2025 was 98.64%. This ranks 12th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_literacy-rate,
title = {Lesotho Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}