Living with poor literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in 2022/2023 844 000 adults in Switzerland struggle with reading, maths and problem solving

844 000 adults in Switzerland struggle with reading, maths and problem solving

23.10.2025 - In Switzerland, 15% of people aged 16-65 have poor literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem-solving skills. This equates to around 844 000 individuals. Compared with the overall population, they are less likely to be employed and tend to earn less. They also report lower levels of well-being and social participation than people with higher skill levels. These are the findings of a new report by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) based on data from the OECD's Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

You can find further information in the press releases in German, French and Italian. The English version only contains the lead of the press release.

Details

Observation period
2022-2023
Spatial division
Switzerland
Published by
Federal Statistical Office
Source(s)
Federal Statistical Office
FSO number
2025-0227-e
Copyright
Federal Statistical Office (Opens in new tab or window)
Terms of Use
OPEN-BY
Open use - Must provide the source
Article type:
Press release
Published on:
23.10.2025
Topic:
Education and science

Available Languages

Data access

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