Illiteracy rate falls to 5%; youth literacy nearly eradicated — DoS

AMMAN — Jordan’s literacy rate fell to 5 per cent in 2023, a decrease from 11 per cent in 2000, according to a statement released on Saturday in conjunction with the International Literacy Day, annually marked on September 8.

The Department of Statistics (DOS) highlighted that the 2023 main labour force survey revealed a notable gender disparity in illiteracy rates, noting that men’s illiteracy rate was 2.5 per cent, while for women it was 7.4 per cent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The survey noted that the highest illiteracy rate was among individuals aged 65 and older, at 24.84 per cent nationwide. However, among youth aged 15-24, the illiteracy rate has dropped significantly to 0.84 per cent, indicating near eradication in this age group.

Regional disparities were also evident, with Maan and Tafileh recording the highest illiteracy rates at 9.74 per cent and 8.64 per cent, respectively. Irbid had the lowest rate at 3.44 per cent.

The survey also showed that the illiteracy rate among employed Jordanians aged 15 and above was 0.64 per cent, the same rate observed among the unemployed, while it was 7.24 per cent among economically inactive individuals.

Improving literacy is a key Sustainable Development Goal, with UNESCO supporting Jordan’s efforts to reduce illiteracy among the elderly by 2030.

This year, ILD will be celebrated under the theme of "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace," according to www.unesco.org.