The South Asian country with highest literacy rate :

Sri Lanka

According to UNESCO, Sri Lanka had an adult literacy rate of 91.9%. The country is ranked 6th in the youth literacy rate, which stands at 98.86%. The male literacy rate is 92.98% compared to 90.97% in females. Among the youth, the literacy rate in females is higher than in males with a female literacy rate of 99.15% compared to 98.55% in males. In 2017, the government invested 14.5% of its budget in education.

Malaysia

The adult literacy rate in Malaysia was 93.7% in 2016, while that of the youth (15-24 years of age) was 98.4% in the same year. The male literacy rate in adults was 95.43% compared to 90.75% in females representing a significant gender gap. The female literacy rate among the youth is, however, marginally higher in females (98.46%) compared to males (98.38%).

Malaysia

The adult literacy rate in Malaysia was 93.7% in 2016, while that of the youth (15-24 years of age) was 98.4% in the same year. The male literacy rate in adults was 95.43% compared to 90.75% in females representing a significant gender gap. The female literacy rate among the youth is, however, marginally higher in females (98.46%) compared to males (98.38%).

Indonesia

In 2016, Indonesia had a youth literacy rate of 99.67% placing it in the fourth position in youth literacy in Asia. The overall adult literacy rate in the same year was 95.38%. The difference in adult literacy among males and females was 97.17% and 93.59%, respectively, representing a significant difference. The difference in literacy rates among the youth (15 to 24 years) is less apparent, with males having a literacy rate of 99.68% compared to 99.65% in females. The government’s investment in education has risen considerably over the years. In 1994, the expenditure on education was about 5.86% of the national budget. The expenditure has since risen to 20.5% recorded in 2015.