Saudi Arabia Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate was 100.61% in 2025, ranked 6th globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1992–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate stood at 100.61% in 2025, a rise of +0.72pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 100.61% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 6th globally.
Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate has demonstrated a remarkable upward trajectory over the past three decades, with the country achieving a peak of 100.61% in 2025. This notable improvement, which has propelled the nation to a global ranking of sixth, can be attributed to concerted efforts in education reform and increased access to quality educational resources. Notably, Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate has surpassed that of several peer countries, including the United Arab Emirates, where the literacy rate stands at 100.09%. Since its all-time trough of 87.86% in 1992, the literacy rate has increased by 12.75 percentage points, representing a significant stride towards achieving universal education. As the Saudi government continues to prioritize education as a key driver of economic development, it is likely that the youth literacy rate will continue to rise, potentially leading to increased economic participation and a more skilled workforce. A sustained commitment to education reform and investment in human capital will be crucial in maintaining this upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 101.00% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 100.81% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 100.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | 100.61% | +0.72pp | #6 |
| 2024 | 99.89% | +0.39pp | #1 |
| 2020 | 99.50% | +0.20pp | #12 |
| 2017 | 99.30% | +0.08pp | #11 |
| 2013 | 99.22% | +3.37pp | #10 |
| 2004 | 95.85% | −0.06pp | #12 |
| 2000 | 95.91% | +8.05pp | #23 |
| 1992 | 87.86% | – | #7 |
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 youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate was 100.61% in 2025. Ranked 6th globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate peaked at 100.61% in 2025.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Saudi Arabia was 87.86% in 1992.
Saudi Arabia ranks 6th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 100.61% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 100.61%. This ranks 6th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Saudi Arabia Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}