Rwanda Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Rwanda's literacy rate was 83.18% in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 5.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1978–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's literacy rate stood at 83.18% in 2025, a rise of +4.42pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 83.18% by 2025. Rwanda ranked 43rd globally.
Rwanda's literacy rate has experienced a significant increase over the past nearly five decades, with the most recent measurement standing at 83.18% in 2025. This represents a considerable improvement from the country's all-time low of 38.24% in 1978, a testament to the nation's progress in expanding education and literacy opportunities. Rwanda's literacy rate has surpassed that of several of its peer countries, including Guatemala and India, and is now within striking distance of Papua New Guinea's rate of 86.08%. The steady rise in literacy rate in Rwanda can be attributed to sustained investments in education and a concerted effort to address the historical disparities in access to education. As Rwanda continues to invest in its human capital and address ongoing challenges, such as poverty and inequality, it is likely that the literacy rate will continue to climb, with the potential to surpass even higher-ranked countries in the near future, contingent on sustained commitment to education and development.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 83.18% | - | - |
| 2025 | 83.18% | +4.42pp | #43 |
| 2022 | 78.76% | −1.29pp | #33 |
| 2020 | 80.05% | +6.83pp | #34 |
| 2018 | 73.22% | +2.42pp | #38 |
| 2014 | 70.80% | +2.47pp | #34 |
| 2012 | 68.33% | +3.44pp | #39 |
| 2000 | 64.89% | +7.04pp | #33 |
| 1991 | 57.85% | +19.61pp | #18 |
| 1978 | 38.24% | – | #2 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's literacy rate was 83.18% in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 5.6% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's literacy rate peaked at 83.18% in 2025.
The lowest literacy rate in Rwanda was 38.24% in 1978.
Rwanda ranks 43rd globally in literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's literacy rate is projected to reach 83.18% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The literacy rate of Rwanda in 2025 was 83.18%. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_literacy-rate,
title = {Rwanda Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}