Singapore Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Singapore's youth literacy rate was 99.89% in 2021, ranked 7th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2021.
Overview
Singapore's youth literacy rate stood at 99.89% in 2021, a rise of +0.16pp from 2020. Singapore ranked 7th globally.
Singapore's Youth Literacy Rate has consistently demonstrated a remarkable trajectory, with an all-time peak of 99.93% in 2019. Compared to its peer countries, such as Mauritius, where the youth literacy rate stands at 99.91%, Singapore's performance is virtually indistinguishable. The country's youth literacy rate has been steadily increasing over the years, with a notable spike from 96.29% in 1980 to its current value of 99.89% in 2021, a 3.6 percentage point increase. This trend underscores Singapore's commitment to education and literacy. The country's efforts have yielded impressive results, with its youth literacy rate ranking among the top globally. However, the trend may be influenced by the country's aging population, which could impact the demand for education and literacy in the coming years, potentially leading to a shift in the country's educational priorities and policies.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 99.89% | +0.16pp | #7 |
| 2020 | 99.73% | −0.20pp | #7 |
| 2019 | 99.93% | +0.00pp | #6 |
| 2018 | 99.93% | +0.00pp | #4 |
| 2017 | 99.93% | +0.00pp | #4 |
| 2016 | 99.93% | +0.15pp | #3 |
| 2015 | 99.78% | −0.12pp | #3 |
| 2014 | 99.90% | +0.00pp | #3 |
| 2013 | 99.90% | +0.01pp | #3 |
| 2012 | 99.89% | +0.00pp | #6 |
| 2011 | 99.89% | +0.14pp | #3 |
| 2010 | 99.75% | +0.25pp | #2 |
| 2000 | 99.50% | +0.53pp | #9 |
| 1990 | 98.97% | +2.68pp | #3 |
| 1980 | 96.29% | – | #6 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. 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
Singapore's youth literacy rate was 99.89% in 2021. Ranked 7th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Singapore's youth literacy rate peaked at 99.93% in 2016.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Singapore was 96.29% in 1980.
Singapore ranks 7th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The youth literacy rate of Singapore in 2021 was 99.89%. This ranks 7th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Singapore Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}