President says literacy rate has increased to over 92 percent

According to the 2024 census, Myanmar's literacy rate has reached 92.1 percent and its numeracy rate has reached 92.3 percent, President Min Aung Hlaing announced. The President made these remarks while attending and delivering a speech at the 2026 International Literacy Day ceremony held at the Convocation Hall of Naypyitaw State Academy in Naypyitaw on the morning of September 8. According to the 2014 census on population and household affairs conducted by the state, out of a population of 33.93 million aged 15 and above, there were approximately 3.55 million illiterate people, resulting in a literacy rate of 89.5 percent. According to the 2019 interim census, out of a population of 37.26 million aged 15 and above, there were approximately 4.1 million illiterate people, resulting in a literacy rate of 89.1 percent and a numeracy rate of 89.5 percent, the President stated. It has been observed that the literacy rate of the people in the country's rural and remote areas is still low. In the past, the "A" three-letter training was conducted to eradicate illiteracy nationwide, and successes were achieved. Therefore, efforts have now been focused on improving the literacy of all people in rural and remote areas, it was said. The President stated that it is necessary to continue striving as a national duty to effectively reduce the remaining number of illiterate people year by year. He also said that the Ministry of Education is not only focusing on school education but also on out-of-school education, or bridging education programs, for those who have not been able to attend school for various reasons. Furthermore, the President said that it is necessary to make arrangements for all literate people to read books, not just to be satisfied with being literate and knowledgeable, but to enrich their lives, broaden their knowledge, and gain wisdom.