South Africa vs WB: Ibrd Only: Adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes
South Africa
4.17 million
in 2024
WB: Ibrd Only
359.23 million
in 2024
South Africa rank
16th
WB: Ibrd Only rank
17th
Adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes over time
- South Africa
- WB: Ibrd Only
How they compare
WB: Ibrd Only currently reports 359.23 million against 4.17 million in South Africa, a difference of 355.06 million.
That makes WB: Ibrd Only's figure about 86.2 times South Africa's.
Across all 11 years both countries report, WB: Ibrd Only has been ahead every year.
South Africa ranks 16th and WB: Ibrd Only ranks 17th of 59 countries.
WB: Ibrd Only has averaged higher in every one of the 4 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | South Africa | WB: Ibrd Only | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 4.93 million | 609.40 million | 604.47 million | WB: Ibrd Only |
| 2000s | 3.25 million | 440.47 million | 437.21 million | WB: Ibrd Only |
| 2010s | 2.38 million | 406.27 million | 403.89 million | WB: Ibrd Only |
| 2020s | 4.32 million | 369.68 million | 365.36 million | WB: Ibrd Only |
Averages of every year both report within each decade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has higher adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes, South Africa or WB: Ibrd Only?
- WB: Ibrd Only, at 359.23 million against 4.17 million in South Africa as of 2024.
- What is the difference in adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes between South Africa and WB: Ibrd Only?
- 355.06 million, with WB: Ibrd Only ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for South Africa and WB: Ibrd Only?
- 11 years are reported by both, from 1996 to 2024.
- How do South Africa and WB: Ibrd Only rank globally for adult illiterate population, 15+ years, both sexes?
- South Africa ranks 16th and WB: Ibrd Only ranks 17th 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