Methodology & source
How this is measured.
Definition
Percentage of people aged 15 and over who can both read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life.
Calculation
UNESCO Institute for Statistics estimates from national censuses and household surveys. World Bank republishes UIS data.
Primary source
Update frequency
Periodic (every 3-5 years)
Caveats
Data points are sparse — many countries have only periodic survey-based estimates. Self-reported in some surveys.
Cross the bridge
Behind the numbers, the country.
Numbers tell you the trajectory. Tourism shows you the people, the parks, the streets — the lives the data is measuring.