<p>Provided is a surface emitting electroluminescent element which can be driven by a direct current power supply and has excellent durability. A surface emitting electroluminescent element includes a laminated structure wherein a transparent conductor layer, a transparent semiconductor layer and/or a transparent insulator layer, a light emitting layer and a rear surface electrode layer are arranged in this order. The transparent conductor layer, the transparent semiconductor layer and the transparent insulator layer include metal oxide.</p>
