Saudi Arabia Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Saudi Arabia's literacy rate was 100.83% in 2025, ranked 1st globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1992–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's literacy rate stood at 100.83% in 2025, a rise of +2.90pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 100.83% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 1st globally.
Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable milestone in literacy, boasting a 100.83% literacy rate as of 2025, securing the top spot globally. This impressive figure represents a significant improvement from the 70.82% recorded in 1992, the earliest available data. The country's literacy rate has consistently trended upwards, with no indication of a decline. In comparison to its peer countries, Saudi Arabia outpaces Serbia, which has a literacy rate of 100.20%. The sustained growth in literacy rate is a testament to the country's investment in education, which has likely contributed to its economic development. As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate its economic transformation, maintaining a high literacy rate will be crucial in ensuring a skilled workforce that can adapt to emerging industries and technologies. A decline in investment in education or a shift in government priorities could potentially alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 102.37% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 101.60% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 100.83% | - | - |
| 2025 | 100.83% | +2.90pp | #1 |
| 2024 | 97.93% | +0.34pp | #5 |
| 2020 | 97.59% | +2.26pp | #10 |
| 2017 | 95.33% | +0.90pp | #13 |
| 2013 | 94.43% | +11.57pp | #15 |
| 2004 | 82.86% | +3.51pp | #11 |
| 2000 | 79.35% | +8.53pp | #26 |
| 1992 | 70.82% | – | #8 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's literacy rate was 100.83% in 2025. Ranked 1st globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's literacy rate peaked at 100.83% in 2025.
The lowest literacy rate in Saudi Arabia was 70.82% in 1992.
Saudi Arabia ranks 1st globally in literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's literacy rate is projected to reach 100.83% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The literacy rate of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 100.83%. This ranks 1st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_literacy-rate,
title = {Saudi Arabia Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}