Literacy Rate: Congo, Dem. Rep. of the
Congo, Dem. Rep. of the's literacy rate is currently 68.5% as of 2023. # Congo, Dem.
Current (2023)
68.5%
+4.3% y/y
Peak (2016)
77.0%
Low (2020)
65.7%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
2001–2023 · 6 pts
Literacy Rate — Congo, Dem. Rep. of the
2001 — 2023
Literacy Rate — Congo, Dem. Rep. of the
Analysis# Congo, Dem. Rep. of the Literacy Rate
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's literacy rate stands at 68.5% in 2023, representing a modest 2.0 percentage point increase since 2001. The country peaked at 77.04% in 2016, substantially above current levels, while hitting a low of 65.683% in 2020. This 11.4 percentage point swing between peak and low reveals significant volatility in educational attainment over the past two decades.
A sharp decline occurred between 2016 and 2020, when the literacy rate plummeted 11.4 percentage points—likely reflecting economic and institutional disruptions during that period. The partial recovery to 68.5% by 2023 suggests stabilization, though the rate remains well below the 2016 peak. Sustained progress toward that previous benchmark would require substantial investment in educational infrastructure and accessibility across the nation's vast territory.
Historical Data
6 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 68.5% | +4.29% |
| 2020 | 65.7% | -10.70% |
| 2018 | 73.5% | -4.53% |
| 2016 | 77.0% | +2.69% |
| 2012 | 75.0% | +11.69% |
| 2001 | 67.2% | — |
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Demographics
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No demographic data available.