Literacy Rate by Country

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Interactive MapIntroductionLiteracy RatesCountries with Highest Literacy RatesHighest Literacy Rate in the WorldCountries with Lowest Literacy RatesLowest Literacy Rate in the WorldLiteracy Rate by CountryAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileColombiaComorosCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of the CongoDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEast TimorEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFederated States of MicronesiaFijiFinlandFranceGabonGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGrenadaGuamGuatemalaGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyIvory CoastJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinePanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeople's Republic of ChinaPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRepublic of MacedoniaRepublic of the CongoRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaint HelenaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSan MarinoSão Tomé and PríncipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandThe BahamasTogoTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited States of AmericaUnited States Virgin IslandsUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamYemenZambiaZimbabweFAQsWhat country has the highest literacy rate ?What is literacy rate ?What country has the lowest literacy rate ?

Introduction

The literacy rate of a country is the percentage of people aged 15 or above who can read and write. Overall, most countries have high literacy rates, with the majority of them above 95%. There are also several countries with a literacy rate of 100%, including Andorra, Finland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Korea, Norway, and Uzbekistan. It is also worth noting that European countries dominate the top of the list, with many of them having a literacy rate of 99% or above. Similarly, countries in the Asia-Pacific region also have high literacy rates, with several countries achieving 99% or more. On the other hand, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East have lower literacy rates, with some countries having rates below 50%. This disparity highlights the unequal distribution of educational opportunities around the world and suggests that more effort is needed to ensure that every individual has access to education.

Literacy Rates

#CountryLiteracy RateEducation Attainment
1Andorra100%
2Finland100%
3Liechtenstein100%
4Luxembourg100%
5North Korea100%
6Norway100%
7Uzbekistan100%
8Latvia99.89%
9Estonia99.82%85.8%
10Lithuania99.82%89.9%
11Azerbaijan99.81%
12Guam99.79%
13Kazakhstan99.79%
14Poland99.79%87.8%
15Tajikistan99.78%
16Armenia99.77%89.9%
17Georgia99.76%
18Ukraine99.76%
19Belarus99.72%
20Russia99.72%
21Cuba99.71%
22Slovenia99.71%
23Barbados99.7%
24Turkmenistan99.69%
25Slovakia99.6%
26Palau99.52%
27Kyrgyzstan99.5%
28Hungary99.38%80%
29Maldives99.32%
30Croatia99.27%
31Moldova99.24%
32Cyprus99.06%74.5%
33Italy99.02%52.5%
34Australia99%80.1%
35Belgium99%
36Canada99%
37Czech Republic99%
38Denmark99%79.3%
39France99%
40Germany99%
41Iceland99%74.1%
42Ireland99%
43Japan99%
44Monaco99%
45Netherlands99%73%
46New Zealand99%75.1%
47Saint Pierre and Miquelon99%
48Sweden99%
49Switzerland99%
50United Kingdom99%79.9%
51United States of America99%90.9%
52Trinidad and Tobago98.97%
53Antigua and Barbuda98.95%
54Cayman Islands98.87%
55Romania98.76%
56Montenegro98.72%
57Bosnia and Herzegovina98.49%69.1%
58Uruguay98.44%
59Bulgaria98.39%77.8%
60Mongolia98.37%45%
61Marshall Islands98.27%
62Spain98.11%53.3%
63Argentina98.09%
64Jordan98.01%50.2%
65Austria98%
66Bermuda98%
67Serbia98%
68Turks and Caicos Islands98%
69South Korea97.97%
70Republic of Macedonia97.84%68.3%
71British Virgin Islands97.8%
72Saint Kitts and Nevis97.8%
73Qatar97.76%
74Costa Rica97.65%40.9%
75Albania97.55%
76Aruba97.52%
77Israel97.1%
78Montserrat97%
79Northern Mariana Islands97%
80Saint Helena97%
81New Caledonia96.94%
82Singapore96.77%74.5%
83Palestine96.67%45.9%
84Brunei96.66%
85Chile96.63%
86Philippines96.62%
87People's Republic of China96.36%
88Kuwait96.12%
89Taiwan96.1%
90Grenada96%
91San Marino96%
92Bahrain95.72%68.7%
93Turkey95.69%
94Saint Vincent and the Grenadines95.63%
95The Bahamas95.6%
96Paraguay95.54%42.4%
97Suriname95.54%
98Indonesia95.44%38.1%
99Portugal95.43%43.5%
100Venezuela95.4%
101Seychelles95.32%
102Greece95.29%65.3%
103Equatorial Guinea95.2%
104Bolivia95.14%59.2%
105Panama95.04%
106Anguilla95%
107Saudi Arabia94.84%62.3%
108Malaysia94.64%
109South Africa94.6%
110Colombia94.58%53.2%
111Mexico94.55%38.6%
112Ecuador94.52%43.4%
113Vietnam94.51%
114Peru94.37%
115Malta94.07%48.3%
116Lebanon94.05%
117Dominica94%
118Thailand93.98%
119Oman93.97%62.2%
120Fiji93.7%
121Hong Kong93.5%
122Puerto Rico93.33%
123Myanmar93.09%
124United Arab Emirates92.99%
125Sri Lanka92.61%64.8%
126Brazil92.59%
127Dominican Republic92.47%
128Kosovo91.9%
129São Tomé and Príncipe91.75%
130Libya91.39%
131Namibia90.82%
132Mauritius90.62%
133Saint Lucia90.1%
134United States Virgin Islands90%
135Federated States of Micronesia89%
136Jamaica88.5%
137Honduras88.42%
138Botswana88.22%
139El Salvador87.65%33.6%
140Guyana87.54%
141Eswatini87.47%
142Iran87.17%
143Zimbabwe86.87%
144Syria86.3%
145Burundi85.5%
146Zambia85.12%
147Vanuatu85.06%
148Solomon Islands84.1%
149Gabon83.24%
150Belize82.78%43.3%
151Nicaragua82.47%
152Tunisia81.05%
153Tanzania80.36%
154Laos79.87%
155Iraq79.72%
156Algeria79.61%
157Lesotho79.36%
158Republic of the Congo79.31%
159Guatemala79.07%
160Cambodia78.35%
161Comoros78.14%
162Kenya78.02%
163Democratic Republic of the Congo77.22%
164Ghana76.58%
165Egypt75.84%
166Cameroon74.99%
167Eritrea73.85%
168Uganda73.81%
169India72.23%
170Morocco71.71%
171Rwanda71.24%
172Angola71.16%
173Yemen69.96%
174Djibouti67.9%
175Togo66.54%
176Malawi65.96%
177Madagascar64.66%
178Nepal64.66%
179East Timor64.07%
180Bhutan63.91%
181Papua New Guinea63.43%
182Bangladesh61.49%36.8%
183Haiti60.69%
184Guinea-Bissau59.77%
185Nigeria59.57%
186Mozambique58.84%
187Sudan58.6%
188Pakistan56.44%
189Senegal55.62%
190Mauritania52.12%
191Ethiopia49.03%
192Sierra Leone48.43%
193Liberia47.6%
194Ivory Coast43.27%
195Chad40.02%
196Benin38.45%
197Afghanistan38.17%
198Somalia37.8%
199Burkina Faso37.75%
200Central African Republic36.75%
201Mali33.07%5.4%
202South Sudan31.98%
203Guinea30.47%
204Niger19.1%

Countries with Highest Literacy Rates

The countries with the highest literacy rates are Andorra, Finland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Korea, Norway, Uzbekistan, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Andorra has the highest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 100%. Finland has the second highest literacy rate globally, with a literacy rate of 100%. Liechtenstein has the third highest literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 100%. Luxembourg has the fourth highest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 100%. North Korea has the fifth highest literacy rate globally, with a literacy rate of 100%. Norway has the sixth highest literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 100%. Uzbekistan has the seventh highest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 100%. Latvia has the eighth highest literacy rate globally, with a literacy rate of 99.89%. Estonia has the ninth highest literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 99.82%. Lithuania has the tenth highest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 99.82%.

The ten countries with the highest literacy rates are:

1. Andorra – 100%
2. Finland – 100%
3. Liechtenstein – 100%
4. Luxembourg – 100%
5. North Korea – 100%
6. Norway – 100%
7. Uzbekistan – 100%
8. Latvia – 99.89%
9. Estonia – 99.82%
10. Lithuania – 99.82%

Highest Literacy Rate in the World

The seven countries that have achieved the highest literacy rate in the world, 100%, are Andorra, Finland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Korea, Norway, and Uzbekistan. These countries have put in place comprehensive education systems that ensure that every citizen is literate. They have invested heavily in education and have made it a priority in their national development plans. Additionally, their education systems are designed to cater to the needs of all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background or gender, which helps to ensure that everyone receives an equal opportunity to learn and become literate.

The government of these countries has also placed great emphasis on early childhood education, ensuring that children receive the best possible start in their education journey. For instance, in Finland, the government provides free education to all students, including vocational training and university education. This approach ensures that everyone has access to education, regardless of their financial background. Additionally, Norway has a highly decentralized education system, with a focus on student-centered learning that ensures students are engaged and motivated to learn. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, has made significant progress in its education system, with the government investing in teacher training, curriculum development, and education infrastructure. All these efforts have contributed to the high literacy rates in these countries.

Countries with Lowest Literacy Rates

The countries with the lowest literacy rates are largely located within the African continent. The countries with the lowest literacy rates are Niger, Guinea, South Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Afghanistan, Benin, and Chad. The country with the lowest literacy rate in the world is Niger, with a literacy rate of 19.1%. The country with the second lowest literacy rate in the world is Guinea, with a literacy rate of 30.47%. South Sudan has the third lowest literacy rate globally, with a literacy rate of 31.98%. Mali has the fourth lowest literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 33.07%. The Central African Republic has the fifth lowest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 36.75%. Burkina Faso has the sixth lowest literacy rate globally, with a literacy rate of 37.75%. Somalia has the seventh lowest literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 37.8%. Afghanistan has the eighth lowest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 38.17%. Benin has the ninth lowest literacy rate globally, with a literacy rate of 38.45%. Chad has the tenth lowest literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 40.02%.

The ten countries with the lowest literacy rates are:

1. Niger – 19.1%
2. Guinea – 30.47%
3. South Sudan – 31.98%
4. Mali – 33.07%
5. Central African Republic – 36.75%
6. Burkina Faso – 37.75%
7. Somalia – 37.8%
8. Afghanistan – 38.17%
9. Benin – 38.45%
10. Chad – 40.02%

Lowest Literacy Rate in the World

Niger is the country with the lowest literacy rate in the world, with a literacy rate of 19.1%. This is primarily due to poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural norms that prioritize traditional practices over formal education. The education system in Niger is also underfunded and understaffed, leading to a shortage of qualified teachers and limited resources for students. Furthermore, the country has faced political instability and conflict, which has further hindered its ability to provide education to its citizens. The low literacy rate in Niger has significant social and economic consequences, as it limits individuals’ ability to access better-paying jobs, participate fully in society, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Literacy Rate by Country

Afghanistan

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Literacy Rate

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38.17%

Ranked in the World

#197

Albania

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Literacy Rate

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97.55%

Ranked in the World

#75

Algeria

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Literacy Rate

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79.61%

Ranked in the World

#156

Andorra

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#1

Angola

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Literacy Rate

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71.16%

Ranked in the World

#172

Anguilla

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Literacy Rate

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95%

Ranked in the World

#106

Antigua and Barbuda

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Literacy Rate

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98.95%

Ranked in the World

#53

Argentina

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Literacy Rate

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98.09%

Ranked in the World

#63

Armenia

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Literacy Rate

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99.77%

Ranked in the World

#16

Education Attainment

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89.9%

Ranked in the World

#2

Aruba

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Literacy Rate

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97.52%

Ranked in the World

#76

Australia

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#34

Education Attainment

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80.1%

Ranked in the World

#6

The literacy rate in Australia is 99%, making it the thirty-fourth country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in Australia, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education and promoting equal opportunities for all students. Education attainment in Australia is also high, with a large proportion of the population having completed some form of tertiary education.

Austria

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Literacy Rate

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98%

Ranked in the World

#65

Azerbaijan

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Literacy Rate

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99.81%

Ranked in the World

#11

Bahrain

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Literacy Rate

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95.72%

Ranked in the World

#92

Education Attainment

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68.7%

Ranked in the World

#17

Bangladesh

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Literacy Rate

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61.49%

Ranked in the World

#182

Education Attainment

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36.8%

Ranked in the World

#39

Barbados

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Literacy Rate

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99.7%

Ranked in the World

#23

Belarus

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Literacy Rate

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99.72%

Ranked in the World

#19

Belgium

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#35

Belize

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Literacy Rate

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82.78%

Ranked in the World

#150

Education Attainment

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43.3%

Ranked in the World

#34

Benin

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Literacy Rate

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38.45%

Ranked in the World

#196

Bermuda

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Literacy Rate

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98%

Ranked in the World

#66

Bhutan

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Literacy Rate

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63.91%

Ranked in the World

#180

Bolivia

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Literacy Rate

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95.14%

Ranked in the World

#104

Education Attainment

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59.2%

Ranked in the World

#23

Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Literacy Rate

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98.49%

Ranked in the World

#57

Education Attainment

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69.1%

Ranked in the World

#16

Botswana

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Literacy Rate

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88.22%

Ranked in the World

#138

Brazil

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Literacy Rate

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92.59%

Ranked in the World

#126

The literacy rate in Vietnam is 94.51%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. Despite significant progress in recent years, the country still struggles with providing quality education, especially in rural areas. The government has implemented policies to improve education.åThe literacy rate in Brazil is 92.59%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. Despite the government's efforts to increase access to education, the country still faces significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate educational infrastructure. The education attainment rate is currently unknown.

British Virgin Islands

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Literacy Rate

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97.8%

Ranked in the World

#71

Brunei

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Literacy Rate

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96.66%

Ranked in the World

#84

Bulgaria

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Literacy Rate

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98.39%

Ranked in the World

#59

Education Attainment

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77.8%

Ranked in the World

#10

Burkina Faso

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Literacy Rate

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37.75%

Ranked in the World

#199

Burundi

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Literacy Rate

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85.5%

Ranked in the World

#145

Cambodia

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Literacy Rate

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78.35%

Ranked in the World

#160

Cameroon

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Literacy Rate

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74.99%

Ranked in the World

#166

Canada

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#36

The literacy rate in Canada also has a literacy rate of 99%, making it the thirty-sixth country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in Canada, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education and promoting equal opportunities for all students. Education attainment in Canada is also high, with a large proportion of the population having completed some form of tertiary education.

Cayman Islands

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Literacy Rate

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98.87%

Ranked in the World

#54

Central African Republic

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Literacy Rate

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36.75%

Ranked in the World

#200

Chad

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Literacy Rate

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40.02%

Ranked in the World

#195

Chile

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Literacy Rate

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96.63%

Ranked in the World

#85

Colombia

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Literacy Rate

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94.58%

Ranked in the World

#110

Education Attainment

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53.2%

Ranked in the World

#25

Comoros

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Literacy Rate

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78.14%

Ranked in the World

#161

Costa Rica

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Literacy Rate

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97.65%

Ranked in the World

#74

Education Attainment

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40.9%

Ranked in the World

#36

Croatia

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Literacy Rate

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99.27%

Ranked in the World

#30

Cuba

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Literacy Rate

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99.71%

Ranked in the World

#21

Cyprus

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Literacy Rate

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99.06%

Ranked in the World

#32

Education Attainment

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74.5%

Ranked in the World

#12

Czech Republic

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#37

Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Literacy Rate

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77.22%

Ranked in the World

#163

Denmark

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#38

Education Attainment

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79.3%

Ranked in the World

#9

Djibouti

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Literacy Rate

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67.9%

Ranked in the World

#174

Dominica

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Literacy Rate

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94%

Ranked in the World

#117

Dominican Republic

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Literacy Rate

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92.47%

Ranked in the World

#127

East Timor

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Literacy Rate

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64.07%

Ranked in the World

#179

Ecuador

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Literacy Rate

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94.52%

Ranked in the World

#112

Education Attainment

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43.4%

Ranked in the World

#33

Egypt

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Literacy Rate

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75.84%

Ranked in the World

#165

El Salvador

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Literacy Rate

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87.65%

Ranked in the World

#139

Education Attainment

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33.6%

Ranked in the World

#40

Equatorial Guinea

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Literacy Rate

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95.2%

Ranked in the World

#103

Eritrea

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Literacy Rate

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73.85%

Ranked in the World

#167

Estonia

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Literacy Rate

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99.82%

Ranked in the World

#9

Education Attainment

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85.8%

Ranked in the World

#5

Eswatini

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Literacy Rate

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87.47%

Ranked in the World

#141

Ethiopia

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Literacy Rate

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49.03%

Ranked in the World

#191

The literacy rate in Ethiopia is 49.03%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. The country faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its citizens, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate educational infrastructure. The government has implemented policies to improve education, but progress has been slow. The education attainment rate is currently unknown.

Federated States of Micronesia

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Literacy Rate

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89%

Ranked in the World

#135

Fiji

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Literacy Rate

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93.7%

Ranked in the World

#120

Finland

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#2

The literacy rate in Finland is 100%, making it the second country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Finland has a highly developed education system and offers free education to all citizens. The country has a strong emphasis on early childhood education and its education system focuses on equal opportunities for all students, which has contributed to its high literacy rate.

France

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#39

The literacy rate in France is 99%, making it the thirty-ninth country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in France, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education and promoting equal opportunities for all students. Education attainment in France is also high, with a large proportion of the population having completed some form of tertiary education.

Gabon

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Literacy Rate

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83.24%

Ranked in the World

#149

Georgia

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Literacy Rate

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99.76%

Ranked in the World

#17

Germany

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#40

The literacy rate in Germany is 99%, making it the fortieth country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in Germany, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education and promoting equal opportunities for all students. Education attainment in Germany is also high, with a large proportion of the population having completed some form of tertiary education.

Ghana

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Literacy Rate

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76.58%

Ranked in the World

#164

Greece

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Literacy Rate

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95.29%

Ranked in the World

#102

Education Attainment

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65.3%

Ranked in the World

#19

Grenada

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Literacy Rate

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96%

Ranked in the World

#90

Guam

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Literacy Rate

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99.79%

Ranked in the World

#12

Guatemala

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Literacy Rate

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79.07%

Ranked in the World

#159

Guinea

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Literacy Rate

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30.47%

Ranked in the World

#203

Guinea-Bissau

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Literacy Rate

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59.77%

Ranked in the World

#184

Guyana

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Literacy Rate

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87.54%

Ranked in the World

#140

Haiti

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Literacy Rate

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60.69%

Ranked in the World

#183

Honduras

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Literacy Rate

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88.42%

Ranked in the World

#137

Hong Kong

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Literacy Rate

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93.5%

Ranked in the World

#121

Hungary

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Literacy Rate

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99.38%

Ranked in the World

#28

Education Attainment

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80%

Ranked in the World

#7

Iceland

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#41

Education Attainment

help

74.1%

Ranked in the World

#14

India

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Literacy Rate

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72.23%

Ranked in the World

#169

The literacy rate in India is 72.23%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. The country faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its citizens, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate educational infrastructure. The government has implemented policies to improve education, but progress has been slow. The education attainment rate is currently unknown.

Indonesia

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Literacy Rate

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95.44%

Ranked in the World

#98

Education Attainment

help

38.1%

Ranked in the World

#38

Iran

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Literacy Rate

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87.17%

Ranked in the World

#142

Iraq

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Literacy Rate

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79.72%

Ranked in the World

#155

Ireland

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#42

Israel

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Literacy Rate

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97.1%

Ranked in the World

#77

The literacy rate in Israel is 97.1%, making it one of the most literate countries. The country has invested heavily in education, with a strong emphasis on science and technology. Israel has a highly developed education system with a large number of universities and technical colleges, which has contributed to its high literacy rate.

Italy

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Literacy Rate

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99.02%

Ranked in the World

#33

Education Attainment

help

52.5%

Ranked in the World

#26

The literacy rate in Italy is 99.02%, making it the thirty-third country with the highest literacy rate in the world. The Italian literacy rates are high because education is highly valued in the country, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education, and the government invests heavily in education to improve the education system. However, the education system in Italy has faced some challenges, including a shortage of teachers and a high dropout rate, which have affected education attainment.

Ivory Coast

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Literacy Rate

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43.27%

Ranked in the World

#194

Jamaica

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Literacy Rate

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88.5%

Ranked in the World

#136

Japan

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#43

The literacy rate in Japan is 99%, making it the forty-third country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in Japan, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education and promoting equal opportunities for all students. Education attainment in Japan is also high, with a large proportion of the population having completed some form of tertiary education.

Jordan

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Literacy Rate

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98.01%

Ranked in the World

#64

Education Attainment

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50.2%

Ranked in the World

#28

Kazakhstan

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Literacy Rate

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99.79%

Ranked in the World

#13

Kenya

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Literacy Rate

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78.02%

Ranked in the World

#162

The literacy rate in Kenya is 78.02%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. The country faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its citizens, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate educational infrastructure. The government has implemented policies to improve education.

Kosovo

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Literacy Rate

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91.9%

Ranked in the World

#128

Kuwait

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Literacy Rate

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96.12%

Ranked in the World

#88

Kyrgyzstan

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Literacy Rate

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99.5%

Ranked in the World

#27

Laos

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Literacy Rate

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79.87%

Ranked in the World

#154

Latvia

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Literacy Rate

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99.89%

Ranked in the World

#8

Lebanon

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Literacy Rate

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94.05%

Ranked in the World

#116

Lesotho

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Literacy Rate

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79.36%

Ranked in the World

#157

Liberia

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Literacy Rate

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47.6%

Ranked in the World

#193

Libya

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Literacy Rate

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91.39%

Ranked in the World

#130

Liechtenstein

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#3

Lithuania

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Literacy Rate

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99.82%

Ranked in the World

#10

Education Attainment

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89.9%

Ranked in the World

#3

Luxembourg

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#4

Madagascar

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Literacy Rate

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64.66%

Ranked in the World

#177

Malawi

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Literacy Rate

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65.96%

Ranked in the World

#176

Malaysia

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Literacy Rate

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94.64%

Ranked in the World

#108

The literacy rate in Malaysia is 94.64%, ranking the country one hundred-eighth in the world, and making it one of the higher-performing countries in terms of literacy. Malaysia has achieved this ranking through considerable investment in education, with primary and secondary school attendance being compulsory. This has resulted in a steady increase in both male and female literacy rates. The Malaysian government also offers free university tuition for all citizens, which has helped boost their literacy rate even further over time. This commitment to education has enabled more Malaysians to access knowledge and opportunities, positively impacting their overall standard of living.

Maldives

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Literacy Rate

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99.32%

Ranked in the World

#29

Mali

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Literacy Rate

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33.07%

Ranked in the World

#201

Education Attainment

help

5.4%

Ranked in the World

#41

Mali ranks among the countries with the lowest literacy rates in the world, with only 33.07% of the population able to read and write. This rate is lower than the global average of 86% and indicates that there is a large portion of the population without access to basic education. It also puts a strain on the country's economy, as those without an education are less likely to participate in productive economic activity. Additionally, educational inequality has increased due to conflict, resulting in fewer resources available for quality education in certain regions. With limited opportunities for learning, this number may continue to remain low and present a challenge for Mali's development.

Malta

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Literacy Rate

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94.07%

Ranked in the World

#115

Education Attainment

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48.3%

Ranked in the World

#29

Marshall Islands

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Literacy Rate

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98.27%

Ranked in the World

#61

Mauritania

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Literacy Rate

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52.12%

Ranked in the World

#190

Mauritius

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Literacy Rate

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90.62%

Ranked in the World

#132

Mexico

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Literacy Rate

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94.55%

Ranked in the World

#111

Education Attainment

help

38.6%

Ranked in the World

#37

The literacy rate in Mexico is 94.55%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. The country faces various challenges in providing quality education to its citizens, including poverty, inequality, and a lack of access to educational resources. The education attainment rate is 38.60%.

Moldova

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Literacy Rate

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99.24%

Ranked in the World

#31

Monaco

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#44

Mongolia

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Literacy Rate

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98.37%

Ranked in the World

#60

Education Attainment

help

45%

Ranked in the World

#31

Montenegro

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Literacy Rate

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98.72%

Ranked in the World

#56

Montserrat

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Literacy Rate

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97%

Ranked in the World

#78

Morocco

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Literacy Rate

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71.71%

Ranked in the World

#170

Mozambique

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Literacy Rate

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58.84%

Ranked in the World

#186

Myanmar

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Literacy Rate

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93.09%

Ranked in the World

#123

Namibia

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Literacy Rate

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90.82%

Ranked in the World

#131

Nepal

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Literacy Rate

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64.66%

Ranked in the World

#178

Netherlands

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#45

Education Attainment

help

73%

Ranked in the World

#15

New Caledonia

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Literacy Rate

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96.94%

Ranked in the World

#81

New Zealand

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#46

Education Attainment

help

75.1%

Ranked in the World

#11

The literacy rate in New Zealand is 99%, making it one of the most literate countries. The country has a strong education system that prioritizes providing access to quality education to all students. Education in New Zealand is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and the country has a well-funded public education system that is highly regarded globally. New Zealand's government has also implemented policies to improve educational outcomes for underrepresented groups, such as Maori and Pacific Islander students.

Nicaragua

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Literacy Rate

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82.47%

Ranked in the World

#151

Niger

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Literacy Rate

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19.1%

Ranked in the World

#204

Nigeria

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Literacy Rate

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59.57%

Ranked in the World

#185

North Korea

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#5

Northern Mariana Islands

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Literacy Rate

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97%

Ranked in the World

#79

Norway

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#6

The literacy rate in Norway is 100%, making it the sixth country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in Norway, and the government invests heavily in education. The country offers free education to all citizens and has a highly developed education system. The education system focuses on promoting equal opportunities and providing quality education, which has contributed to its high literacy rate.

Oman

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Literacy Rate

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93.97%

Ranked in the World

#119

Education Attainment

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62.2%

Ranked in the World

#22

Pakistan

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Literacy Rate

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56.44%

Ranked in the World

#188

The literacy rate in Pakistan is 56.44%, ranking the country one hundred eighty-eighth in the world. It is significantly lower than the world average, which is estimated at around 86%. This means that a large portion of the population lacks the basic skills to engage in meaningful economic activity. Pakistan's literacy rate has increased steadily since 1990 but this progress is marred by significant gender and regional disparities. There is also a stark difference between the urban and rural literacy rates, with rural areas lagging behind their urban counterparts.

Palau

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Literacy Rate

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99.52%

Ranked in the World

#26

Palestine

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Literacy Rate

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96.67%

Ranked in the World

#83

Education Attainment

help

45.9%

Ranked in the World

#30

Panama

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Literacy Rate

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95.04%

Ranked in the World

#105

Papua New Guinea

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Literacy Rate

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63.43%

Ranked in the World

#181

Paraguay

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Literacy Rate

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95.54%

Ranked in the World

#96

Education Attainment

help

42.4%

Ranked in the World

#35

People's Republic of China

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Literacy Rate

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96.36%

Ranked in the World

#87

The literacy rate in China is 96.36%, ranking the country eighty-seventh in the world. China has one of the highest literacy rates in the world – nearly every single Chinese citizen can read and write – demonstrating the value of education placed upon its citizens. Indeed, the Chinese government has heavily invested in education over recent years, leading to massive growth in enrollment figures for primary and secondary schools across the country. This commitment to education has been reflected in dramatic improvements in China's literacy rate over time – from just 65% in the 1980s up to 97% today.

Peru

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Literacy Rate

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94.37%

Ranked in the World

#114

Philippines

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Literacy Rate

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96.62%

Ranked in the World

#86

The literacy rate in the Philippines is 96.62%, making it one of the most literate countries. Despite facing many challenges such as poverty, the Philippines has made significant progress in improving its education system in recent years. The country has implemented programs to promote basic education and has increased the number of primary schools throughout the country, which has helped to improve the literacy rate.

Poland

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Literacy Rate

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99.79%

Ranked in the World

#14

Education Attainment

help

87.8%

Ranked in the World

#4

Portugal

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Literacy Rate

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95.43%

Ranked in the World

#99

Education Attainment

help

43.5%

Ranked in the World

#32

Puerto Rico

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Literacy Rate

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93.33%

Ranked in the World

#122

Qatar

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Literacy Rate

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97.76%

Ranked in the World

#73

Republic of Macedonia

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Literacy Rate

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97.84%

Ranked in the World

#70

Education Attainment

help

68.3%

Ranked in the World

#18

Republic of the Congo

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Literacy Rate

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79.31%

Ranked in the World

#158

Romania

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Literacy Rate

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98.76%

Ranked in the World

#55

Russia

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Literacy Rate

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99.72%

Ranked in the World

#20

Russia is one of the most literate countries in the world, with a literacy rate of 99.72%, ranking the country twentieth in the world. This number has increased drastically due to improvements in education within the country, such as more focus on early childhood education and universal access to higher education. Not only do Russia's schools provide students with the necessary academic skills, but they also strive to foster creativity and critical thinking skills. This emphasis on learning and growing beyond basic literacy has helped Russia maintain its high literacy rate.

Rwanda

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Literacy Rate

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71.24%

Ranked in the World

#171

Saint Helena

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Literacy Rate

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97%

Ranked in the World

#80

Saint Kitts and Nevis

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Literacy Rate

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97.8%

Ranked in the World

#72

Saint Lucia

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Literacy Rate

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90.1%

Ranked in the World

#133

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#47

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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Literacy Rate

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95.63%

Ranked in the World

#94

San Marino

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Literacy Rate

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96%

Ranked in the World

#91

São Tomé and Príncipe

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Literacy Rate

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91.75%

Ranked in the World

#129

Saudi Arabia

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Literacy Rate

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94.84%

Ranked in the World

#107

Education Attainment

help

62.3%

Ranked in the World

#21

The literacy rate in Saudi Arabia is 94.84%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. Despite the high wealth and modern infrastructure, the country struggles with gender inequality in education. The government has implemented policies to improve education, but progress has been slow, especially in rural areas. The education attainment rate is 62.30%.

Senegal

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Literacy Rate

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55.62%

Ranked in the World

#189

Serbia

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Literacy Rate

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98%

Ranked in the World

#67

Seychelles

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Literacy Rate

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95.32%

Ranked in the World

#101

Sierra Leone

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Literacy Rate

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48.43%

Ranked in the World

#192

Singapore

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Literacy Rate

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96.77%

Ranked in the World

#82

Education Attainment

help

74.5%

Ranked in the World

#13

Slovakia

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Literacy Rate

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99.6%

Ranked in the World

#25

Slovenia

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Literacy Rate

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99.71%

Ranked in the World

#22

Solomon Islands

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Literacy Rate

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84.1%

Ranked in the World

#148

Somalia

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Literacy Rate

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37.8%

Ranked in the World

#198

South Africa

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Literacy Rate

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94.6%

Ranked in the World

#109

South Korea

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add_circle

Literacy Rate

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97.97%

Ranked in the World

#69

South Sudan

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Literacy Rate

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31.98%

Ranked in the World

#202

Spain

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Literacy Rate

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98.11%

Ranked in the World

#62

Education Attainment

help

53.3%

Ranked in the World

#24

Sri Lanka

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Literacy Rate

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92.61%

Ranked in the World

#125

Education Attainment

help

64.8%

Ranked in the World

#20

Sudan

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Literacy Rate

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58.6%

Ranked in the World

#187

Suriname

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Literacy Rate

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95.54%

Ranked in the World

#97

Sweden

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#48

The literacy rate in Sweden is 99%, reflecting the country's commitment to providing access to education for all its citizens. Sweden has a strong public education system that is known for its emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and equality. The country also provides free education to all students from preschool through university, and it has one of the highest levels of public spending on education in the world. The Swedish government also prioritizes early childhood education and has implemented policies to improve the educational outcomes for immigrant and refugee students.

Switzerland

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#49

Syria

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Literacy Rate

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86.3%

Ranked in the World

#144

Taiwan

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Literacy Rate

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96.1%

Ranked in the World

#89

Tajikistan

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Literacy Rate

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99.78%

Ranked in the World

#15

Tanzania

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Literacy Rate

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80.36%

Ranked in the World

#153

Thailand

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Literacy Rate

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93.98%

Ranked in the World

#118

The Bahamas

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Literacy Rate

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95.6%

Ranked in the World

#95

Togo

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Literacy Rate

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66.54%

Ranked in the World

#175

Trinidad and Tobago

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Literacy Rate

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98.97%

Ranked in the World

#52

Tunisia

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Literacy Rate

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81.05%

Ranked in the World

#152

Turkey

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Literacy Rate

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95.69%

Ranked in the World

#93

The literacy rate in Turkey is 95.69%, making it one of the most literate countries. Turkey has made significant progress in improving its education system in recent years, but it still faces challenges such as poverty and inequality. However, the government has implemented several initiatives to increase access to education, including free schooling for children from disadvantaged families. These efforts have helped to improve the literacy rate in the country, but there is still room for improvement.

Turkmenistan

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Literacy Rate

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99.69%

Ranked in the World

#24

Turks and Caicos Islands

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Literacy Rate

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98%

Ranked in the World

#68

Uganda

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Literacy Rate

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73.81%

Ranked in the World

#168

Ukraine

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Literacy Rate

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99.76%

Ranked in the World

#18

The literacy rate in Ukraine is 99.76%, making it the eighteenth country with the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is highly valued in Ukraine, and the country offers free education to all citizens. The education system focuses on providing quality education, and the government invests heavily in education to improve the education system. However, the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a negative impact on the education system and has led to a decrease in education attainment.

United Arab Emirates

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Literacy Rate

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92.99%

Ranked in the World

#124

United Kingdom

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#50

Education Attainment

help

79.9%

Ranked in the World

#8

The literacy rate in the United Kingdom is 99%, reflecting the country's long-standing commitment to education. The UK has a strong public education system, and the government has invested heavily in education over the years. The country also has some of the world's most prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The UK government has also implemented policies to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged students, such as those from low-income families or those with special educational needs.

United States of America

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Literacy Rate

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99%

Ranked in the World

#51

Education Attainment

help

90.9%

Ranked in the World

#1

The literacy rate in the United States is 99%, making it the fifty-first country with the highest literacy rate in the world. The United States has a strong education system that contributes to its high literacy rate. Education is compulsory and free for all children between the ages of 6 and 18, and the country has a large number of colleges and universities. Education attainment is also high in the US, with 90.90% of the population having completed secondary education or higher. However, despite the overall high literacy rate, there are still pockets of illiteracy in the country, particularly among certain populations such as those living in poverty or with limited access to education. Efforts are being made to address these issues and improve literacy rates across the country.

United States Virgin Islands

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Literacy Rate

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90%

Ranked in the World

#134

Uruguay

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Literacy Rate

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98.44%

Ranked in the World

#58

The literacy rate in Uruguay is 98.44%, ranking the country fifty-eighth in the world. Uruguay has achieved this educational goal due to its commitment to providing quality education to all its citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. The government also invests heavily in school infrastructure, raising standards for both primary and secondary-level education. Additionally, there are several initiatives that exist in order to provide extra support to those who need it, such as volunteer programs and government-funded tutoring services. This collective effort has enabled Uruguay to reach high levels of literacy.

Uzbekistan

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Literacy Rate

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100%

Ranked in the World

#7

Vanuatu

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Literacy Rate

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85.06%

Ranked in the World

#147

Venezuela

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Literacy Rate

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95.4%

Ranked in the World

#100

Vietnam

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Literacy Rate

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94.51%

Ranked in the World

#113

The literacy rate in Vietnam is 94.51%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. Despite significant progress in recent years, the country still struggles with providing quality education, especially in rural areas. The government has implemented policies to improve education.

Yemen

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Literacy Rate

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69.96%

Ranked in the World

#173

Zambia

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Literacy Rate

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85.12%

Ranked in the World

#146

Zimbabwe

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Literacy Rate

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86.87%

Ranked in the World

#143

The literacy rate in Zimbabwe is 86.87%, making it one of the countries with the lowest literacy rate in the world. The country has faced significant economic and political challenges in recent years, and these have impacted the education sector. The government has made efforts to improve education, but progress has been slow. The education attainment rate is currently unknown.

FAQs

What country has the highest literacy rate ?

The country with the highest literacy rate in the world is Andorra with a literacy rate of 100%.

What is literacy rate ?

Literacy rate refers to the percentage of a population, aged 15 and above, who can read and write with an understanding of a short, simple statement about their everyday life.

What country has the lowest literacy rate ?

The country with the lowest literacy rate is Niger with a literacy rate of 19.9%.

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