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South Africa

South Africa Literacy Stats

Definitions

  • Adult literacy: Adult literacy rate (%).
  • Definition: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of our source. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons.
  • Female: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of our source. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons.
  • Female illiterates > Aged 15-19:

    Number of females aged 15-19 years, who are illiterate.

  • Female illiterates > Aged 25-29 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female illiterates > Aged 30-34 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female illiterates > Aged 35-39 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female illiterates > Aged 45-49 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female illiterates > Aged 65-69 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female illiterates > Aged over 10: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Female illiterates > Aged over 10 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female illiterates > Aged over 75 per thousand people: Number of females older than 75 years, who are illiterate. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female literates > Aged 10-14: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Female literates > Aged 15-19: Number of females aged 15-19 years, who are literate.
  • Female literates > Aged 15-19 per thousand people: Number of females aged 15-19 years, who are literate. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female literates > Aged 60-64: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Female literates > Aged 70-74: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Female literates > Aged over 10 per thousand people: Number of females older than 10 years, who are literate. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Female literates > Aged over 75: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Female literates > Aged over 75 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Illiterates > Aged 10-14: Compares countries by number of male illiterates, in the age range 10 to 14. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 15-19 per thousand people: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 15 to 19. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Illiterates > Aged 20-24: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 20 to 24. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 25-29: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 25 to 29. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 25-29 per thousand people: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 25 to 29. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Illiterates > Aged 30-34 per thousand people: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 30 to 34. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Illiterates > Aged 35-39: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 35 to 39. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 45-49: Compares countries by number of male illiterates, in the age range 45 to 49. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 50-54 per thousand people: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 50 to 54. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Illiterates > Aged 60-64: Compares countries by number of male illiterates, in the age range 60 to 64. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 65-69: Compares countries by number of male illiterates, in the age range 65 to 69. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged 70-74: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals, in the age range 70 to 74. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged over 10: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals aged over 10. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Illiterates > Aged over 75: Compares countries by number of illiterate individuals aged over 75. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Literates > Aged 10-14 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Literates > Aged 15-19: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Literates > Aged 15-19 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Literates > Aged 40-44 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Literates > Aged 50-54 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Literates > Aged 60-64 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Literates > Aged 70-74: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Literates > Aged over 10 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Male: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of our source. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons.
  • Male illiterates > Aged 35-39: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Male illiterates > Aged 35-39 per thousand people: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Male illiterates > Aged 45-49: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Male literates > Aged 30-34: Compares countries by number of male literates, in the age range 30 to 34. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Male literates > Aged 40-44: Compares countries by number of male literates, in the age range 40 to 44. The data was gathered by the United Nations Statistics Division, whose self-declared mission is to compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems
  • Male literates > Aged over 10: Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence.
  • Men above 14 years: Percent of male population above the age of 14 years that is literate.
  • Total population: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of our source. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons.
  • Women above 14 years: Percent of female population above the age of 14 years that is literate.
STAT AMOUNT DATE RANK HISTORY
Adult literacy 88% 2007 63th out of 110
Definition age 15 and over can read and write 2003
Female 85.7% 2003 82nd out of 157
Female illiterates > Aged 15-19 98,809 1996 2nd out of 6
Female illiterates > Aged 25-29 per thousand people 4.13 1996 2nd out of 5
Female illiterates > Aged 30-34 per thousand people 5.37 1996 2nd out of 5
Female illiterates > Aged 35-39 per thousand people 6.02 1996 2nd out of 5
Female illiterates > Aged 45-49 per thousand people 5.63 1996 2nd out of 5
Female illiterates > Aged 65-69 per thousand people 5.65 1996 1st out of 3
Female illiterates > Aged over 10 2.93 million 1996 2nd out of 5
Female illiterates > Aged over 10 per thousand people 73.22 1996 2nd out of 5
Female illiterates > Aged over 75 per thousand people 5.87 1996 1st out of 3
Female literates > Aged 10-14 2 million 1996 2nd out of 5
Female literates > Aged 15-19 1.99 million 1996 2nd out of 6
Female literates > Aged 15-19 per thousand people 49.69 1996 4th out of 6
Female literates > Aged 60-64 284,258 1996 1st out of 5
Female literates > Aged 70-74 138,507 1996 1st out of 3
Female literates > Aged over 10 per thousand people 324.47 1996 4th out of 5
Female literates > Aged over 75 180,186 1996 1st out of 3
Female literates > Aged over 75 per thousand people 4.5 1996 2nd out of 3
Illiterates > Aged 10-14 706,159 1996 1st out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 15-19 per thousand people 5.47 1996 3rd out of 6
Illiterates > Aged 20-24 266,090 1996 2nd out of 6
Illiterates > Aged 25-29 313,144 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 25-29 per thousand people 7.83 1996 3rd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 30-34 per thousand people 9.58 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 35-39 427,729 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 45-49 409,142 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 50-54 per thousand people 8.73 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 60-64 355,123 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged 65-69 352,499 1996 1st out of 3
Illiterates > Aged 70-74 218,897 1996 1st out of 3
Illiterates > Aged over 10 5.29 million 1996 2nd out of 5
Illiterates > Aged over 75 360,107 1996 1st out of 3
Literates > Aged 10-14 per thousand people 96.03 1996 4th out of 5
Literates > Aged 15-19 3.87 million 1996 2nd out of 6
Literates > Aged 15-19 per thousand people 96.79 1996 4th out of 6
Literates > Aged 40-44 per thousand people 40.14 1996 3rd out of 5
Literates > Aged 50-54 per thousand people 21.5 1996 4th out of 5
Literates > Aged 60-64 per thousand people 12.41 1996 4th out of 5
Literates > Aged 70-74 238,459 1996 1st out of 3
Literates > Aged over 10 per thousand people 622.71 1996 4th out of 5
Male 87% 2003 94th out of 157
Male illiterates > Aged 35-39 186,944 1996 2nd out of 5
Male illiterates > Aged 35-39 per thousand people 4.67 1996 2nd out of 5
Male illiterates > Aged 45-49 184,087 1996 2nd out of 5
Male literates > Aged 30-34 1.23 million 1996 2nd out of 5
Male literates > Aged 40-44 784,832 1996 2nd out of 5
Male literates > Aged over 10 11.93 million 1996 2nd out of 5
Men above 14 years 84.1% 1996 4th out of 7
Total population 86.4% 2003 92nd out of 161
Women above 14 years 80.9% 1996 4th out of 7

SOURCES: World Health Organization. Source tables; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; Source tables. Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence; United Nations Statistics Division. Source tables. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; United Nations Statistics Division. Source tables; Source tables. Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Source tables. Population by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence; Number of females older than 10 years, who are literate.. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; United Nations Statistics Division.  Population table by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence; United Nations Statistics Division.  Population table by literacy, age, sex and urban/rural residence. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?d=GenderStat&f=inID%3a49, Adult literacy rate

Citation

South Africa Education > Literacy Profiles (Subcategories)

Female illiterates 30 Literates 26
Female literates 28 Male illiterates 26
Illiterates 30 Male literates 28

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