The illiteracy rate in Jordan has declined significantly over the past decades, falling from 11.0% in 2000 to 4.5% in 2024, thanks to progress made in the education sector.
اضافة اعلان
In a statement issued Sunday on the occasion of International Literacy Day, which falls tomorrow (Monday), the Department of Statistics reported that the 2024 Labor Force Survey showed a notable improvement in literacy rates, with continued declines among both genders. Illiteracy among males stood at 2.3%, compared to 6.8% among females. These figures reflect positive progress compared to previous years and highlight the impact of educational and awareness policies that are beginning to bear fruit.
The department noted that this trend offers an opportunity to further close the gender gap by empowering women through education and expanding initiatives targeting groups most vulnerable to illiteracy, ensuring a fairer and more sustainable future in education for all.
Literacy is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with UNESCO supporting Jordan in achieving its target of reducing illiteracy among older populations by 2030. This is evident in the efforts of successive governments, international organizations, and local civil society groups.
Survey results showed that the lowest illiteracy rate was among individuals aged 15–24, at 0.7%, indicating the success of educational policies in reaching youth and nearing zero illiteracy in this age group. Conversely, the highest rate was among those aged 65 and above, at 23.3%, reflecting the challenges of providing education to older age groups.
The results also revealed a sharp decline in illiteracy rates among the economically active population: 0.6% among employed Jordanians aged 15 and above, 0.5% among the unemployed, and 6.6% among the economically inactive.
Since 1967, the world has marked International Literacy Day annually on September 8, to remind policymakers, experts, and communities of the importance of literacy as a foundation for building more just, sustainable, and peaceful societies, while strengthening basic reading and writing skills. The day also serves as an occasion to renew the global commitment to providing education for all and to shed light on the challenges facing marginalized groups with limited learning opportunities.
