The Central Bureau of Statistics reported that illiteracy rates in Palestine are among the lowest in the world (2.1% among individuals aged 15 years and over) for the year 2023, while the illiteracy rate among Palestinian individuals aged 15 years and over in the territories of 1948 reached 3.6% in the year 2017, according to data from the Galilee Society (Rakaaz).

The data indicated a significant decline in the illiteracy rate since 1997, as the illiteracy rate among the Palestinian population aged 15 years and over decreased from 13.9% in 1997 to 2.1% in 2023. This trend of decline applies to both sexes, as the rate among males decreased from 7.8% in 1997 to 1.1% in 2023, while among females it decreased from 20.3% to 3.2% for the same period.

At the regional level, the rate in the West Bank decreased from 14.1% in 1997 to 3.2% in 2023, while in the Gaza Strip it decreased from 13.7% to 1.9% for the same period.

20 illiterate men and women out of every 100 elderly people

The statistics indicated that the age group of 65 years and over recorded the highest illiteracy rate, while the age group (30-44 years) recorded the lowest rate. The illiteracy rate among the elderly 65 years and over reached 20.4% in 2023, and reached 2.2% for the age group (45-64 years) and 0.7% for the age group (30-44 years), while this rate among young people (15-29 years) reached 0.8% for the same year.

Rural communities recorded the highest illiteracy rate.

The statistics indicated that the illiteracy rate in rural communities reached 2.6%, 2.4% in camps, and 2.0% in urban communities in 2023.