Literacy Rate: Philippines
Philippines's literacy rate is currently 98.5% as of 2020. # Philippines Literacy Rate The Philippines achieved a literacy rate of 98.
Current (2020)
98.5%
+2.3% y/y
Peak (2020)
98.5%
Low (1980)
83.3%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1980–2020 · 11 pts
Literacy Rate — Philippines
1980 — 2020
Literacy Rate — Philippines
Analysis# Philippines Literacy Rate
The Philippines achieved a literacy rate of 98.47% in 2020, matching its all-time peak and representing substantial progress from the 83.32% recorded in 1980. Over four decades, the country increased its literacy rate by 18.2 percentage points, demonstrating a consistent commitment to educational access and development across its population.
Recent performance shows volatility within an upward trend. The rate dipped to 96.28% in 2019 before recovering sharply to 98.47% the following year. The most dramatic acceleration occurred between 2013 and 2015, when literacy jumped from 96.4% to 98.18%. Sustained gains above 98% since 2015 suggest the Philippines has stabilized near maximum literacy levels, positioning the nation among countries with near-universal adult literacy.
Historical Data
11 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 98.5% | +2.27% |
| 2019 | 96.3% | -1.94% |
| 2015 | 98.2% | +1.85% |
| 2013 | 96.4% | -0.71% |
| 2010 | 97.1% | +1.75% |
| 2008 | 95.4% | +3.06% |
| 2003 | 92.6% | -0.01% |
| 2000 | 92.6% | -1.41% |
| 1994 | 93.9% | +0.37% |
| 1990 | 93.6% | +12.30% |
| 1980 | 83.3% | — |
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