Rate was already 27% in 2015 and in 2011, according to Inaf (functional literacy indicator)
A survey by the (functional literacy index), an initiative of and, revealed that in 2024, 29% of the Brazilian population aged 15 to 64 was functional illiterate (about 40 million people). The proportion remained equal to that of 2018 and grew, compared to 27% registered in 2011 and 2015.
Inaf considers functional illiterate the sum of illiterate and people with rudimentary literacy. People illiterate (7%, in 2024) They cannot perform simple tasks that involve reading words and phrases, even if they can read family numbers (such as telephone, homes and prices). In addition, they have difficulty accessing digital tools.
People with Rudimentar literacy (22%) are able to locate explicit and literal information in a simple text, and can solve elementary mathematical operations. However, they cannot perform everyday tasks involving slightly longer and more complex texts or more elaborate mathematical operations.
Historical series
Considering the historical series, since 2001-2002, there was a drop in the number of illiterates in Brazil. This proportion was 12% in 2001-2002. In 23 years, it ranged from 4% to 7% within the margin of error.
There was also a reduction in the percentage of people with rudimentary literacy level, which went from 27% in 2001-2002 to a stabilized level in just over 20% since 2009.
However, the proportion of literate literacy – the highest degree of literacy, according to the survey – remained virtually unchanged, oscillating 8% to 12% throughout the historical series.
Income and Race
In 2024, in the universe of illiterate people, 63% had family income of up to 1 minimum wage and only 1.5% earned more than 5 minimum wages. Already among the literate level at rudimentary level, 43% earned up to 1 minimum wage and 27%, from 1 to 2 minimum wages.
Among the literate level at the proficient level, only 10% had an income of up to 1 minimum wage.
In addition, among illiterate, 50% were brown, 13% were black or black and 34%, white. This proportion is similar among the literate level at rudimentary level: 50% were brown, 11% black or black and 36%, white.
Among the literate level at the proficient level, 51% were white people, 39% brown and 8% black or black.
Age group
Although most people with functional illiteracy have ages of 50 to 64 years – which represents 51% of people in this age group – 16% of 15 to 24 -year -olds are also at this level of literacy, less than 2% considered illiterate.
Here is the table shows the degree of literacy in Brazil by age group, in 2024:
This number varies depending on the education degree of respondents. Among people aged 15 to 24 who completed high school, the proportion of functional illiteracy drops from 16% to 11%. Among people aged 50 to 64 with high school, the proportion of functional illiteracy drops from 51% to 25%.
