Source: World Bank  

Release: World Development Indicators  

Units:  Percent of People Ages 15 and Above, Not Seasonally Adjusted

Frequency:  Annual

Adult (15+) literacy rate (%). Total is the percentage of the population age 15 and above who can, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life. Generally, 'literacy' also encompasses 'numeracy', the ability to make simple arithmetic calculations. This indicator is calculated by dividing the number of literates aged 15 years and over by the corresponding age group population and multiplying the result by 100.

Nations that are included in this data series are listed at http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups. A developing nation is defined as one which falls within the lower or middle income bracket.

Source Indicator: SE.ADT.LITR.ZS