Singapore Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
Singapore's literacy rate was 97.65% in 2021, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
Singapore's literacy rate stood at 97.65% in 2021, a rise of +0.52pp from 2020. Singapore ranked 9th globally.
Singapore's literacy rate has demonstrated a remarkable improvement over the past four decades, rising from 82.91% in 1980 to 97.65% in 2021. This notable increase places the country among the top-tier performers globally, with West Bank and Gaza narrowly surpassing Singapore's latest literacy rate. The steady upward trend is a testament to the nation's concerted efforts in education, which have yielded tangible results. The literacy rate has not only reached an all-time high but has also consistently outpaced its peer countries, including Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, Singapore's literacy rate has maintained a steady pace, with a mere 14.74 percentage point increase over the 41-year period, underscoring the country's sustained commitment to education. As Singapore continues to invest in human capital and prioritize education, its literacy rate is likely to remain at the forefront of global rankings, with potential upward momentum driven by government initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 97.65% | +0.52pp | #9 |
| 2020 | 97.13% | −0.35pp | #12 |
| 2019 | 97.48% | +0.14pp | #14 |
| 2018 | 97.34% | +0.14pp | #7 |
| 2017 | 97.20% | +0.15pp | #7 |
| 2016 | 97.05% | +0.22pp | #11 |
| 2015 | 96.83% | +0.11pp | #7 |
| 2014 | 96.72% | +0.17pp | #9 |
| 2013 | 96.55% | +0.18pp | #8 |
| 2012 | 96.37% | +0.18pp | #8 |
| 2011 | 96.19% | +0.33pp | #21 |
| 2010 | 95.86% | +3.31pp | #10 |
| 2000 | 92.55% | +3.45pp | #13 |
| 1990 | 89.10% | +6.19pp | #6 |
| 1980 | 82.91% | – | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore's literacy rate was 97.65% in 2021. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Singapore's literacy rate peaked at 97.65% in 2021.
The lowest literacy rate in Singapore was 82.91% in 1980.
Singapore ranks 9th globally in literacy rate as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The literacy rate of Singapore in 2021 was 97.65%. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_literacy-rate,
title = {Singapore Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}