Mexico vs South Africa: Adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes
Mexico
4.44 million
in 2020
South Africa
4.17 million
in 2024
Mexico rank
13th
South Africa rank
16th
Adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes over time
- Mexico
- South Africa
How they compare
Mexico currently reports 4.44 million against 4.17 million in South Africa, a difference of 271,280.
That makes Mexico's figure about 1.1 times South Africa's.
Across all 7 years both countries report, Mexico has been ahead every year.
Mexico ranks 13th and South Africa ranks 16th of 59 countries.
Mexico has averaged higher in every one of the 2 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | Mexico | South Africa | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 5.14 million | 3.25 million | 1.89 million | Mexico |
| 2010s | 4.94 million | 2.43 million | 2.51 million | Mexico |
Averages of every year both report within each decade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has higher adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes, Mexico or South Africa?
- Mexico, at 4.44 million against 4.17 million in South Africa as of 2020.
- What is the difference in adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes between Mexico and South Africa?
- 271,280, with Mexico ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for Mexico and South Africa?
- 7 years are reported by both, from 2007 to 2015.
- How do Mexico and South Africa rank globally for adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes?
- Mexico ranks 13th and South Africa ranks 16th of 59 countries.
- Where does this data come from?
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics, published as Adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes (number). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.
Individual pages
About this data
February 2026 Data Release