Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Global Literacy Reaches 88 Percent, Yet 739 Million Lack Skills
More people around the world can read and write than ever before.
About 88 out of every 100 adults are literate.
Among young people aged 15 to 24, about 93 out of 100 can read and write.
However, 739 million adults still do not have basic literacy skills.
Almost two-thirds of these adults are women.
Literacy rates are much higher in some regions than others.
In sub-Saharan Africa, population growth has caused the number of adults without literacy skills to rise even as the literacy rate improved.
UNESCO says literacy also depends on the quality of schooling, not just whether children attend school.
International Literacy Day highlights the need to make literacy useful for people, the planet and prosperity.
Global adult literacy has reached about 88 percent, while 93 percent of people aged 15 to 24 are literate.
At least 739 million adults still lack basic literacy skills, and almost two-thirds of them are women.
Adult literacy rates range from 98.7 percent in Europe and North America to 68.5 percent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Central and Southern Asia improved its adult literacy rate by 13.2 percentage points, but 347 million people there remain without basic literacy.
UNESCO’s 2026 International Literacy Day theme links literacy with inclusion, sustainability and economic opportunity.
- Who
- UNESCO and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics provide the data highlighted for adults, young people and regional populations.
- What
- International Literacy Day is marking major global literacy progress while drawing attention to the 739 million adults who still lack basic literacy skills.
- When
- The 60th anniversary is being observed in 2026, with the global event scheduled for September 8 and 9.
- Where
- The global 2026 observance will be held in Mexico; literacy gaps are reported across regions worldwide.
- Why
- The observance seeks to highlight literacy’s importance for inclusion, sustainable development and economic opportunity, while addressing persistent inequalities.
- Global adult literacy rate
- About 88 percent
- Youth literacy rate
- 93 percent among people aged 15 to 24
- Adults lacking basic literacy
- At least 739 million
- Women’s share
- Almost two-thirds of adults lacking basic literacy are women
- Highest regional adult literacy rate
- 98.7 percent in Europe and North America
- Lowest regional adult literacy rate
- 68.5 percent in sub-Saharan Africa
- 2026 theme
- Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity