Panama Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Panama's youth literacy rate was 99.22% in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Panama's youth literacy rate stood at 99.22% in 2025, a rise of +0.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 99.22% by 2025. Panama ranked 24th globally.
Panama’s youth literacy rate has shown consistent improvement over the past four decades, rising from 96.11% in 1980 to 99.22% in 2025, according to World Bank data. The rate reached its all-time peak of 99.30% in 2022, reflecting sustained investments in education and expanded access to schooling. A notable decline occurred in 1990, when the rate hit a trough of 95.09%, likely influenced by regional economic instability and disruptions in public services during that period. By 2025, Panama ranked 24th globally, placing it in close proximity to regional peers such as Mexico, where the youth literacy rate stood at 99.21%, and Chile at 99.19%. Despite near-universal literacy levels, marginal gaps persist, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. The country’s trajectory suggests that further gains will depend on targeted interventions to reach underserved populations and maintain educational quality amid demographic and economic shifts. Continued policy focus on equity and inclusion will be essential to sustaining high literacy rates in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 99.28% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 99.25% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 99.22% | - | - |
| 2025 | 99.22% | +0.02pp | #24 |
| 2024 | 99.20% | +0.30pp | #9 |
| 2023 | 98.90% | −0.40pp | #18 |
| 2022 | 99.30% | +0.00pp | #17 |
| 2021 | 99.30% | +0.42pp | #14 |
| 2019 | 98.88% | −0.22pp | #20 |
| 2018 | 99.10% | −0.00pp | #15 |
| 2017 | 99.10% | +0.30pp | #16 |
| 2016 | 98.80% | +0.60pp | #19 |
| 2015 | 98.20% | +0.20pp | #23 |
| 2014 | 98.00% | +0.36pp | #22 |
| 2010 | 97.64% | +1.56pp | #28 |
| 2000 | 96.08% | +0.99pp | #22 |
| 1990 | 95.09% | −1.02pp | #9 |
| 1980 | 96.11% | – | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. 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
Panama's youth literacy rate was 99.22% in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Panama's youth literacy rate peaked at 99.30% in 2021.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Panama was 95.09% in 1990.
Panama ranks 24th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Panama's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 99.22% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Panama in 2025 was 99.22%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Panama Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}