Literacy Rate: Uruguay
Uruguay's literacy rate is currently 98.9% as of 2024. # Uruguay Literacy Rate Uruguay maintains one of the world's highest literacy rates at 98.
Current (2024)
98.9%
+0.1% y/y
Peak (2020)
99.0%
Low (1975)
93.9%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1975–2024 · 21 pts
Literacy Rate — Uruguay
1975 — 2024
Literacy Rate — Uruguay
Analysis# Uruguay Literacy Rate
Uruguay maintains one of the world's highest literacy rates at 98.91% in 2024, approaching its all-time peak of 98.96% recorded in 2020. Since 1975, the country has improved its literacy rate by 5.4 percentage points, climbing from a low of 93.86%. This steady advancement reflects Uruguay's sustained commitment to education and demonstrates that the nation already operates at near-universal literacy levels.
The most significant gains occurred during the late 1970s through early 2000s, when the rate accelerated from below 94% toward the high-90s range. Recent years show relative stability, with minor fluctuations between 98.62% and 98.96% from 2017 onward. The slight dip to 98.825% in 2023 followed by recovery to 98.91% in 2024 suggests the rate has plateaued near its theoretical maximum, where further improvements become increasingly challenging.
Historical Data
21 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 98.9% | +0.09% |
| 2023 | 98.8% | -0.03% |
| 2022 | 98.8% | -0.11% |
| 2020 | 99.0% | +0.19% |
| 2019 | 98.8% | +0.07% |
| 2018 | 98.7% | +0.08% |
| 2017 | 98.6% | +0.06% |
| 2016 | 98.6% | +0.04% |
| 2015 | 98.5% | +0.08% |
| 2014 | 98.4% | +0.08% |
| 2013 | 98.4% | -0.04% |
| 2012 | 98.4% | +0.06% |
| 2011 | 98.3% | +0.28% |
| 2010 | 98.1% | -0.19% |
| 2009 | 98.3% | +0.10% |
| 2008 | 98.2% | +0.31% |
| 2007 | 97.9% | +0.07% |
| 2006 | 97.8% | +1.04% |
| 1996 | 96.8% | +1.47% |
| 1985 | 95.4% | +1.62% |
Show all 21 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 93.9% | — |
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