West Bank and Gaza Literacy Rate
Adult literacy rate SE.ADT.LITR.ZS
West Bank and Gaza's literacy rate was 98.12% in 2025, ranked 14th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
West Bank and Gaza's literacy rate stood at 98.12% in 2025, a rise of +0.17pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.12% by 2025. West Bank and Gaza ranked 14th globally.
The West Bank and Gaza’s literacy rate has risen sharply from 86.08 % in 1997 to an all‑time peak of 98.12 % in 2025, placing the territory 14th worldwide according to World Bank data. This 12.04‑percentage‑point increase over 21 years reflects sustained investment in primary and secondary education, as well as adult‑learning programs that have expanded access in both urban and rural areas. The 2025 figure narrowly trails Bahrain’s 98.62 % and Lesotho’s 98.64 % while exceeding Viet Nam’s 97.26 % and Panama’s 96.46 %, underscoring the region’s competitive standing among diverse economies. The upward trajectory suggests that continued funding for teacher training, curriculum modernization, and digital learning infrastructure could push the literacy rate beyond the current ceiling, potentially moving the West Bank and Gaza into the top ten globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 98.35% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 98.23% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.12% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.12% | +0.17pp | #14 |
| 2024 | 97.94% | +0.10pp | #4 |
| 2022 | 97.84% | +0.15pp | #12 |
| 2021 | 97.69% | +0.18pp | #8 |
| 2020 | 97.51% | +0.13pp | #11 |
| 2019 | 97.38% | +0.16pp | #15 |
| 2018 | 97.22% | +0.30pp | #8 |
| 2017 | 96.92% | +0.20pp | #8 |
| 2016 | 96.72% | +0.24pp | #12 |
| 2015 | 96.48% | +0.27pp | #9 |
| 2014 | 96.21% | +0.16pp | #10 |
| 2013 | 96.05% | +0.38pp | #11 |
| 2012 | 95.67% | +0.64pp | #9 |
| 2011 | 95.03% | +0.31pp | #25 |
| 2010 | 94.72% | +0.29pp | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
West Bank and Gaza matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2008. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
West Bank and Gaza's literacy rate was 98.12% in 2025. Ranked 14th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
West Bank and Gaza's literacy rate peaked at 98.12% in 2025.
The lowest literacy rate in West Bank and Gaza was 86.08% in 1997.
West Bank and Gaza ranks 14th globally in literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.LITR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
West Bank and Gaza's literacy rate is projected to reach 98.12% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The literacy rate of West Bank and Gaza in 2025 was 98.12%. This ranks 14th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_west-bank-and-gaza_literacy-rate,
title = {West Bank and Gaza Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/west-bank-and-gaza/literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}