Maldives Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Maldives's youth literacy rate was 98.74% in 2019, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2018. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2019.
Overview
Maldives's youth literacy rate stood at 98.74% in 2019, a rise of +0.61pp from 2017. Maldives ranked 24th globally.
Maldives’ youth literacy rate has risen markedly since the earliest recorded figure of 85.61 % in 1977, reaching an all‑time peak of 99.30 % in 2006 before settling at 98.74 % in 2019, which placed the country 24th globally. This progression reflects sustained investments in primary education and the expansion of school infrastructure across the archipelago, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s when enrollment surged. The 2019 rate is marginally lower than the peak yet remains comparable to peer nations such as Tuvalu (98.82 %) and Colombia (98.83 %), underscoring Maldives’ position among the world’s most literate youth populations. The ten‑year coverage of data illustrates a consistent upward trajectory, with only a slight dip from the 2006 high. Continued emphasis on teacher training, digital learning resources, and rural outreach is likely to sustain the high literacy level, while any significant policy shift or economic disruption could alter the forward‑looking trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 98.74% | +0.61pp | #24 |
| 2017 | 98.13% | −0.62pp | #27 |
| 2016 | 98.75% | −0.52pp | #20 |
| 2014 | 99.27% | −0.03pp | #11 |
| 2006 | 99.30% | +1.13pp | #5 |
| 2000 | 98.17% | +0.00pp | #13 |
| 1995 | 98.17% | −0.03pp | #2 |
| 1990 | 98.20% | +2.66pp | #4 |
| 1985 | 95.54% | +9.93pp | #3 |
| 1977 | 85.61% | – | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's youth literacy rate was 98.74% in 2019. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Maldives's youth literacy rate peaked at 99.30% in 2006.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Maldives was 85.61% in 1977.
Maldives ranks 24th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2019.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The youth literacy rate of Maldives in 2019 was 98.74%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Maldives Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}