Papua New Guinea Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
Papua New Guinea's primary enrollment was 124.53% in 2025, ranked 12th globally. This represents a 2.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's primary enrollment stood at 124.53% in 2025, a rise of +3.44pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 124.53% by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 12th globally.
Papua New Guinea's primary enrollment rate has experienced significant growth over the past four and a half decades, with the latest available data indicating a rate of 124.53% in 2025. This rate surpasses that of several peer countries, including Mozambique, which ranks slightly higher at 124.99%. The country has made substantial progress since the all-time trough of 46.64% in 1971, a period of economic and social upheaval. Conversely, the all-time peak of 124.53% in 2025 reflects the nation's concerted efforts to invest in its education system. The 46.91% rate recorded in 1970, a year before the trough, underscores the substantial gains made in recent years. As Papua New Guinea continues to navigate the complexities of economic development and population growth, maintaining and potentially increasing its primary enrollment rate will be crucial for its long-term prosperity. A decline in government investment in education or a rise in population growth rates could potentially alter the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 128.59% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 124.53% | - | - |
| 2025 | 124.53% | +3.44pp | #12 |
| 2023 | 121.09% | +10.00pp | #9 |
| 2022 | 111.09% | +9.15pp | #21 |
| 2021 | 101.94% | −0.11pp | #58 |
| 2020 | 102.05% | −3.26pp | #62 |
| 2019 | 105.32% | −4.82pp | #36 |
| 2018 | 110.13% | +5.63pp | #22 |
| 2016 | 104.51% | +2.72pp | #59 |
| 2014 | 101.78% | +0.92pp | #83 |
| 2012 | 100.86% | +41.42pp | #95 |
| 2008 | 59.44% | +3.88pp | #169 |
| 2006 | 55.56% | −1.47pp | #163 |
| 2005 | 57.03% | +1.01pp | #172 |
| 2004 | 56.02% | −0.16pp | #165 |
| 2003 | 56.18% | −3.48pp | #161 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw primary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's primary enrollment was 124.53% in 2025. Ranked 12th globally. This represents a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's primary enrollment peaked at 124.53% in 2025.
The lowest primary enrollment in Papua New Guinea was 46.64% in 1971.
Papua New Guinea ranks 12th globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Papua New Guinea's primary enrollment is projected to reach 124.53% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was 124.53%. This ranks 12th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_primary-enrollment,
title = {Papua New Guinea Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}