Literacy Rate: Kiribati

Analysis# Kiribati Literacy Rate Kiribati's literacy rate reached 98.608% in 2020, matching its all-time peak and representing a 0.7 percentage point increase from 2018. The nation maintains one of the world's highest literacy rates, with minimal fluctuation across the measured period. The lowest point in the data range occurred in 2018 at 97.96%, making the two-year trajectory an upward one despite the narrow margin of improvement. The steady climb from 2018 to 2020 demonstrates consistent educational progress in this Pacific island nation. With literacy already near-universal levels, further gains will likely depend on investments in quality education and skill-building initiatives rather than basic reading proficiency. Kiribati's sustained performance above 98% positions it favorably among global literacy leaders, though maintaining these levels amid the nation's specific geographic and economic challenges remains an ongoing priority.