Philippines Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Philippines's youth literacy rate was 99.46% in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Philippines's youth literacy rate stood at 99.46% in 2025, a decline of +0.31pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 99.46% by 2025. Philippines ranked 19th globally.
The Philippines has made significant strides in improving its youth literacy rate over the past four decades. Notably, the country achieved a peak youth literacy rate of 100.00% in 2017, a testament to the effectiveness of education reforms implemented during this period. However, the Philippines' youth literacy rate has hovered around the 99% mark in recent years, with the latest available figure standing at 99.46% in 2025, ranking 19th globally. This is comparable to other countries such as Peru, which boasts a youth literacy rate of 99.47%. Despite the progress made, the Philippines' youth literacy rate has not been immune to fluctuations, with a trough of 91.79% recorded in 1980. The consistent improvement in youth literacy rates over the years suggests a positive trend, which may continue to improve with sustained investments in education and a growing focus on literacy programs. A decline in government funding for education, however, could potentially disrupt this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 99.46% | - | - |
| 2025 | 99.46% | −0.31pp | #19 |
| 2022 | 99.77% | +0.55pp | #6 |
| 2020 | 99.22% | +0.84pp | #16 |
| 2019 | 98.38% | −1.62pp | #31 |
| 2017 | 100.00% | +0.92pp | #1 |
| 2015 | 99.08% | +0.97pp | #13 |
| 2013 | 98.11% | +0.28pp | #22 |
| 2010 | 97.83% | +0.08pp | #25 |
| 2008 | 97.75% | +2.69pp | #19 |
| 2003 | 95.06% | −0.03pp | #13 |
| 2000 | 95.09% | −0.95pp | #24 |
| 1994 | 96.04% | −0.54pp | #3 |
| 1990 | 96.58% | +4.79pp | #5 |
| 1980 | 91.79% | – | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Philippines 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
Philippines's youth literacy rate was 99.46% in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Philippines's youth literacy rate peaked at 100.00% in 2017.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Philippines was 91.79% in 1980.
Philippines ranks 19th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Philippines's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 99.46% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Philippines in 2025 was 99.46%. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_philippines_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Philippines Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/philippines/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}