Literate and illiterate world population in United States
United States: Literate and illiterate world population was 3.5% in 1950. ▼ Falling
Literate and illiterate world population in United States, 1900–1950
Source: UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
The most recent figure for literate and illiterate world population in United States is 3.5%, measured in 1950.
The figure is up 20.7% over ten years.
Over the whole period, literate and illiterate world population in United States peaked at 10.7% in 1900 and was at its lowest, 2.9%, in 1940.
That places United States 85th out of 128 countries with data for 1950, putting it in the middle of the range.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 10.7% | 10.7% | 10.7% | 1 |
| 1910s | 7.7% | 7.7% | 7.7% | 1 |
| 1920s | 6.0% | 6.0% | 6.0% | 1 |
| 1930s | 4.3% | 4.3% | 4.3% | 1 |
| 1940s | 2.9% | 2.9% | 2.9% | 1 |
| 1950s | 3.5% | 3.5% | 3.5% | 1 |
Countries ranked near United States
More population data for United States
- Population growth rate 0.6% (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is literate and illiterate world population in United States?
- Literate and illiterate world population in United States was 3.5% in 1950, according to UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest literate and illiterate world population recorded in United States?
- The highest recorded value was 10.7% in 1900.
- What is the lowest literate and illiterate world population recorded in United States?
- The lowest recorded value was 2.9% in 1940.
- How does United States rank for literate and illiterate world population?
- United States ranks 85th out of 128 countries with data for 1950.
- Is literate and illiterate world population rising or falling in United States?
- Over the last ten years it is up 20.7%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this United States data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Literate and illiterate world population. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of adults who cannot read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life.