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
# | Country | Literacy Rate | Education Attainment |
---|---|---|---|
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% | 85.8% |
10 | Lithuania | 99.82% | 89.9% |
11 | Azerbaijan | 99.81% | |
12 | Guam | 99.79% | |
13 | Kazakhstan | 99.79% | |
14 | Poland | 99.79% | 87.8% |
15 | Tajikistan | 99.78% | |
16 | Armenia | 99.77% | 89.9% |
17 | Georgia | 99.76% | |
18 | Ukraine | 99.76% | |
19 | Belarus | 99.72% | |
20 | Russia | 99.72% | |
21 | Cuba | 99.71% | |
22 | Slovenia | 99.71% | |
23 | Barbados | 99.7% | |
24 | Turkmenistan | 99.69% | |
25 | Slovakia | 99.6% | |
26 | Palau | 99.52% | |
27 | Kyrgyzstan | 99.5% | |
28 | Hungary | 99.38% | 80% |
29 | Maldives | 99.32% | |
30 | Croatia | 99.27% | |
31 | Moldova | 99.24% | |
32 | Cyprus | 99.06% | 74.5% |
33 | Italy | 99.02% | 52.5% |
34 | Australia | 99% | 80.1% |
35 | Belgium | 99% | |
36 | Canada | 99% | |
37 | Czech Republic | 99% | |
38 | Denmark | 99% | 79.3% |
39 | France | 99% | |
40 | Germany | 99% | |
41 | Iceland | 99% | 74.1% |
42 | Ireland | 99% | |
43 | Japan | 99% | |
44 | Monaco | 99% | |
45 | Netherlands | 99% | 73% |
46 | New Zealand | 99% | 75.1% |
47 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 99% | |
48 | Sweden | 99% | |
49 | Switzerland | 99% | |
50 | United Kingdom | 99% | 79.9% |
51 | United States of America | 99% | 90.9% |
52 | Trinidad and Tobago | 98.97% | |
53 | Antigua and Barbuda | 98.95% | |
54 | Cayman Islands | 98.87% | |
55 | Romania | 98.76% | |
56 | Montenegro | 98.72% | |
57 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 98.49% | 69.1% |
58 | Uruguay | 98.44% | |
59 | Bulgaria | 98.39% | 77.8% |
60 | Mongolia | 98.37% | 45% |
61 | Marshall Islands | 98.27% | |
62 | Spain | 98.11% | 53.3% |
63 | Argentina | 98.09% | |
64 | Jordan | 98.01% | 50.2% |
65 | Austria | 98% | |
66 | Bermuda | 98% | |
67 | Serbia | 98% | |
68 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 98% | |
69 | South Korea | 97.97% | |
70 | Republic of Macedonia | 97.84% | 68.3% |
71 | British Virgin Islands | 97.8% | |
72 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 97.8% | |
73 | Qatar | 97.76% | |
74 | Costa Rica | 97.65% | 40.9% |
75 | Albania | 97.55% | |
76 | Aruba | 97.52% | |
77 | Israel | 97.1% | |
78 | Montserrat | 97% | |
79 | Northern Mariana Islands | 97% | |
80 | Saint Helena | 97% | |
81 | New Caledonia | 96.94% | |
82 | Singapore | 96.77% | 74.5% |
83 | Palestine | 96.67% | 45.9% |
84 | Brunei | 96.66% | |
85 | Chile | 96.63% | |
86 | Philippines | 96.62% | |
87 | People's Republic of China | 96.36% | |
88 | Kuwait | 96.12% | |
89 | Taiwan | 96.1% | |
90 | Grenada | 96% | |
91 | San Marino | 96% | |
92 | Bahrain | 95.72% | 68.7% |
93 | Turkey | 95.69% | |
94 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 95.63% | |
95 | The Bahamas | 95.6% | |
96 | Paraguay | 95.54% | 42.4% |
97 | Suriname | 95.54% | |
98 | Indonesia | 95.44% | 38.1% |
99 | Portugal | 95.43% | 43.5% |
100 | Venezuela | 95.4% | |
101 | Seychelles | 95.32% | |
102 | Greece | 95.29% | 65.3% |
103 | Equatorial Guinea | 95.2% | |
104 | Bolivia | 95.14% | 59.2% |
105 | Panama | 95.04% | |
106 | Anguilla | 95% | |
107 | Saudi Arabia | 94.84% | 62.3% |
108 | Malaysia | 94.64% | |
109 | South Africa | 94.6% | |
110 | Colombia | 94.58% | 53.2% |
111 | Mexico | 94.55% | 38.6% |
112 | Ecuador | 94.52% | 43.4% |
113 | Vietnam | 94.51% | |
114 | Peru | 94.37% | |
115 | Malta | 94.07% | 48.3% |
116 | Lebanon | 94.05% | |
117 | Dominica | 94% | |
118 | Thailand | 93.98% | |
119 | Oman | 93.97% | 62.2% |
120 | Fiji | 93.7% | |
121 | Hong Kong | 93.5% | |
122 | Puerto Rico | 93.33% | |
123 | Myanmar | 93.09% | |
124 | United Arab Emirates | 92.99% | |
125 | Sri Lanka | 92.61% | 64.8% |
126 | Brazil | 92.59% | |
127 | Dominican Republic | 92.47% | |
128 | Kosovo | 91.9% | |
129 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 91.75% | |
130 | Libya | 91.39% | |
131 | Namibia | 90.82% | |
132 | Mauritius | 90.62% | |
133 | Saint Lucia | 90.1% | |
134 | United States Virgin Islands | 90% | |
135 | Federated States of Micronesia | 89% | |
136 | Jamaica | 88.5% | |
137 | Honduras | 88.42% | |
138 | Botswana | 88.22% | |
139 | El Salvador | 87.65% | 33.6% |
140 | Guyana | 87.54% | |
141 | Eswatini | 87.47% | |
142 | Iran | 87.17% | |
143 | Zimbabwe | 86.87% | |
144 | Syria | 86.3% | |
145 | Burundi | 85.5% | |
146 | Zambia | 85.12% | |
147 | Vanuatu | 85.06% | |
148 | Solomon Islands | 84.1% | |
149 | Gabon | 83.24% | |
150 | Belize | 82.78% | 43.3% |
151 | Nicaragua | 82.47% | |
152 | Tunisia | 81.05% | |
153 | Tanzania | 80.36% | |
154 | Laos | 79.87% | |
155 | Iraq | 79.72% | |
156 | Algeria | 79.61% | |
157 | Lesotho | 79.36% | |
158 | Republic of the Congo | 79.31% | |
159 | Guatemala | 79.07% | |
160 | Cambodia | 78.35% | |
161 | Comoros | 78.14% | |
162 | Kenya | 78.02% | |
163 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 77.22% | |
164 | Ghana | 76.58% | |
165 | Egypt | 75.84% | |
166 | Cameroon | 74.99% | |
167 | Eritrea | 73.85% | |
168 | Uganda | 73.81% | |
169 | India | 72.23% | |
170 | Morocco | 71.71% | |
171 | Rwanda | 71.24% | |
172 | Angola | 71.16% | |
173 | Yemen | 69.96% | |
174 | Djibouti | 67.9% | |
175 | Togo | 66.54% | |
176 | Malawi | 65.96% | |
177 | Madagascar | 64.66% | |
178 | Nepal | 64.66% | |
179 | East Timor | 64.07% | |
180 | Bhutan | 63.91% | |
181 | Papua New Guinea | 63.43% | |
182 | Bangladesh | 61.49% | 36.8% |
183 | Haiti | 60.69% | |
184 | Guinea-Bissau | 59.77% | |
185 | Nigeria | 59.57% | |
186 | Mozambique | 58.84% | |
187 | Sudan | 58.6% | |
188 | Pakistan | 56.44% | |
189 | Senegal | 55.62% | |
190 | Mauritania | 52.12% | |
191 | Ethiopia | 49.03% | |
192 | Sierra Leone | 48.43% | |
193 | Liberia | 47.6% | |
194 | Ivory Coast | 43.27% | |
195 | Chad | 40.02% | |
196 | Benin | 38.45% | |
197 | Afghanistan | 38.17% | |
198 | Somalia | 37.8% | |
199 | Burkina Faso | 37.75% | |
200 | Central African Republic | 36.75% | |
201 | Mali | 33.07% | 5.4% |
202 | South Sudan | 31.98% | |
203 | Guinea | 30.47% | |
204 | Niger | 19.1% |
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
Literacy Rate
38.17%
Ranked in the World
#197
Albania
Literacy Rate
97.55%
Ranked in the World
#75
Algeria
Literacy Rate
79.61%
Ranked in the World
#156
Andorra
Literacy Rate
100%
Ranked in the World
#1
Angola
Literacy Rate
71.16%
Ranked in the World
#172
Anguilla
Literacy Rate
95%
Ranked in the World
#106
Antigua and Barbuda
Literacy Rate
98.95%
Ranked in the World
#53
Argentina
Literacy Rate
98.09%
Ranked in the World
#63
Armenia
Literacy Rate
99.77%
Ranked in the World
#16
Education Attainment
89.9%
Ranked in the World
#2
Aruba
Literacy Rate
97.52%
Ranked in the World
#76
Australia
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#34
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
98%
Ranked in the World
#65
Azerbaijan
Literacy Rate
99.81%
Ranked in the World
#11
Bahrain
Literacy Rate
95.72%
Ranked in the World
#92
Education Attainment
68.7%
Ranked in the World
#17
Bangladesh
Literacy Rate
61.49%
Ranked in the World
#182
Education Attainment
36.8%
Ranked in the World
#39
Barbados
Literacy Rate
99.7%
Ranked in the World
#23
Belarus
Literacy Rate
99.72%
Ranked in the World
#19
Belgium
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#35
Belize
Literacy Rate
82.78%
Ranked in the World
#150
Education Attainment
43.3%
Ranked in the World
#34
Benin
Literacy Rate
38.45%
Ranked in the World
#196
Bermuda
Literacy Rate
98%
Ranked in the World
#66
Bhutan
Literacy Rate
63.91%
Ranked in the World
#180
Bolivia
Literacy Rate
95.14%
Ranked in the World
#104
Education Attainment
59.2%
Ranked in the World
#23
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Literacy Rate
98.49%
Ranked in the World
#57
Education Attainment
69.1%
Ranked in the World
#16
Botswana
Literacy Rate
88.22%
Ranked in the World
#138
Brazil
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
97.8%
Ranked in the World
#71
Brunei
Literacy Rate
96.66%
Ranked in the World
#84
Bulgaria
Literacy Rate
98.39%
Ranked in the World
#59
Education Attainment
77.8%
Ranked in the World
#10
Burkina Faso
Literacy Rate
37.75%
Ranked in the World
#199
Burundi
Literacy Rate
85.5%
Ranked in the World
#145
Cambodia
Literacy Rate
78.35%
Ranked in the World
#160
Cameroon
Literacy Rate
74.99%
Ranked in the World
#166
Canada
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
98.87%
Ranked in the World
#54
Central African Republic
Literacy Rate
36.75%
Ranked in the World
#200
Chad
Literacy Rate
40.02%
Ranked in the World
#195
Chile
Literacy Rate
96.63%
Ranked in the World
#85
Colombia
Literacy Rate
94.58%
Ranked in the World
#110
Education Attainment
53.2%
Ranked in the World
#25
Comoros
Literacy Rate
78.14%
Ranked in the World
#161
Costa Rica
Literacy Rate
97.65%
Ranked in the World
#74
Education Attainment
40.9%
Ranked in the World
#36
Croatia
Literacy Rate
99.27%
Ranked in the World
#30
Cuba
Literacy Rate
99.71%
Ranked in the World
#21
Cyprus
Literacy Rate
99.06%
Ranked in the World
#32
Education Attainment
74.5%
Ranked in the World
#12
Czech Republic
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#37
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Literacy Rate
77.22%
Ranked in the World
#163
Denmark
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#38
Education Attainment
79.3%
Ranked in the World
#9
Djibouti
Literacy Rate
67.9%
Ranked in the World
#174
Dominica
Literacy Rate
94%
Ranked in the World
#117
Dominican Republic
Literacy Rate
92.47%
Ranked in the World
#127
East Timor
Literacy Rate
64.07%
Ranked in the World
#179
Ecuador
Literacy Rate
94.52%
Ranked in the World
#112
Education Attainment
43.4%
Ranked in the World
#33
Egypt
Literacy Rate
75.84%
Ranked in the World
#165
El Salvador
Literacy Rate
87.65%
Ranked in the World
#139
Education Attainment
33.6%
Ranked in the World
#40
Equatorial Guinea
Literacy Rate
95.2%
Ranked in the World
#103
Eritrea
Literacy Rate
73.85%
Ranked in the World
#167
Estonia
Literacy Rate
99.82%
Ranked in the World
#9
Education Attainment
85.8%
Ranked in the World
#5
Eswatini
Literacy Rate
87.47%
Ranked in the World
#141
Ethiopia
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
89%
Ranked in the World
#135
Fiji
Literacy Rate
93.7%
Ranked in the World
#120
Finland
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
83.24%
Ranked in the World
#149
Georgia
Literacy Rate
99.76%
Ranked in the World
#17
Germany
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
76.58%
Ranked in the World
#164
Greece
Literacy Rate
95.29%
Ranked in the World
#102
Education Attainment
65.3%
Ranked in the World
#19
Grenada
Literacy Rate
96%
Ranked in the World
#90
Guam
Literacy Rate
99.79%
Ranked in the World
#12
Guatemala
Literacy Rate
79.07%
Ranked in the World
#159
Guinea
Literacy Rate
30.47%
Ranked in the World
#203
Guinea-Bissau
Literacy Rate
59.77%
Ranked in the World
#184
Guyana
Literacy Rate
87.54%
Ranked in the World
#140
Haiti
Literacy Rate
60.69%
Ranked in the World
#183
Honduras
Literacy Rate
88.42%
Ranked in the World
#137
Hong Kong
Literacy Rate
93.5%
Ranked in the World
#121
Hungary
Literacy Rate
99.38%
Ranked in the World
#28
Education Attainment
80%
Ranked in the World
#7
Iceland
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#41
Education Attainment
74.1%
Ranked in the World
#14
India
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
95.44%
Ranked in the World
#98
Education Attainment
38.1%
Ranked in the World
#38
Iran
Literacy Rate
87.17%
Ranked in the World
#142
Iraq
Literacy Rate
79.72%
Ranked in the World
#155
Ireland
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#42
Israel
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
99.02%
Ranked in the World
#33
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
43.27%
Ranked in the World
#194
Jamaica
Literacy Rate
88.5%
Ranked in the World
#136
Japan
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
98.01%
Ranked in the World
#64
Education Attainment
50.2%
Ranked in the World
#28
Kazakhstan
Literacy Rate
99.79%
Ranked in the World
#13
Kenya
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
91.9%
Ranked in the World
#128
Kuwait
Literacy Rate
96.12%
Ranked in the World
#88
Kyrgyzstan
Literacy Rate
99.5%
Ranked in the World
#27
Laos
Literacy Rate
79.87%
Ranked in the World
#154
Latvia
Literacy Rate
99.89%
Ranked in the World
#8
Lebanon
Literacy Rate
94.05%
Ranked in the World
#116
Lesotho
Literacy Rate
79.36%
Ranked in the World
#157
Liberia
Literacy Rate
47.6%
Ranked in the World
#193
Libya
Literacy Rate
91.39%
Ranked in the World
#130
Liechtenstein
Literacy Rate
100%
Ranked in the World
#3
Lithuania
Literacy Rate
99.82%
Ranked in the World
#10
Education Attainment
89.9%
Ranked in the World
#3
Luxembourg
Literacy Rate
100%
Ranked in the World
#4
Madagascar
Literacy Rate
64.66%
Ranked in the World
#177
Malawi
Literacy Rate
65.96%
Ranked in the World
#176
Malaysia
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
99.32%
Ranked in the World
#29
Mali
Literacy Rate
33.07%
Ranked in the World
#201
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
94.07%
Ranked in the World
#115
Education Attainment
48.3%
Ranked in the World
#29
Marshall Islands
Literacy Rate
98.27%
Ranked in the World
#61
Mauritania
Literacy Rate
52.12%
Ranked in the World
#190
Mauritius
Literacy Rate
90.62%
Ranked in the World
#132
Mexico
Literacy Rate
94.55%
Ranked in the World
#111
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
99.24%
Ranked in the World
#31
Monaco
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#44
Mongolia
Literacy Rate
98.37%
Ranked in the World
#60
Education Attainment
45%
Ranked in the World
#31
Montenegro
Literacy Rate
98.72%
Ranked in the World
#56
Montserrat
Literacy Rate
97%
Ranked in the World
#78
Morocco
Literacy Rate
71.71%
Ranked in the World
#170
Mozambique
Literacy Rate
58.84%
Ranked in the World
#186
Myanmar
Literacy Rate
93.09%
Ranked in the World
#123
Namibia
Literacy Rate
90.82%
Ranked in the World
#131
Nepal
Literacy Rate
64.66%
Ranked in the World
#178
Netherlands
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#45
Education Attainment
73%
Ranked in the World
#15
New Caledonia
Literacy Rate
96.94%
Ranked in the World
#81
New Zealand
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#46
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
82.47%
Ranked in the World
#151
Niger
Literacy Rate
19.1%
Ranked in the World
#204
Nigeria
Literacy Rate
59.57%
Ranked in the World
#185
North Korea
Literacy Rate
100%
Ranked in the World
#5
Northern Mariana Islands
Literacy Rate
97%
Ranked in the World
#79
Norway
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
93.97%
Ranked in the World
#119
Education Attainment
62.2%
Ranked in the World
#22
Pakistan
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
99.52%
Ranked in the World
#26
Palestine
Literacy Rate
96.67%
Ranked in the World
#83
Education Attainment
45.9%
Ranked in the World
#30
Panama
Literacy Rate
95.04%
Ranked in the World
#105
Papua New Guinea
Literacy Rate
63.43%
Ranked in the World
#181
Paraguay
Literacy Rate
95.54%
Ranked in the World
#96
Education Attainment
42.4%
Ranked in the World
#35
People's Republic of China
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
94.37%
Ranked in the World
#114
Philippines
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
99.79%
Ranked in the World
#14
Education Attainment
87.8%
Ranked in the World
#4
Portugal
Literacy Rate
95.43%
Ranked in the World
#99
Education Attainment
43.5%
Ranked in the World
#32
Puerto Rico
Literacy Rate
93.33%
Ranked in the World
#122
Qatar
Literacy Rate
97.76%
Ranked in the World
#73
Republic of Macedonia
Literacy Rate
97.84%
Ranked in the World
#70
Education Attainment
68.3%
Ranked in the World
#18
Republic of the Congo
Literacy Rate
79.31%
Ranked in the World
#158
Romania
Literacy Rate
98.76%
Ranked in the World
#55
Russia
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
71.24%
Ranked in the World
#171
Saint Helena
Literacy Rate
97%
Ranked in the World
#80
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Literacy Rate
97.8%
Ranked in the World
#72
Saint Lucia
Literacy Rate
90.1%
Ranked in the World
#133
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#47
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Literacy Rate
95.63%
Ranked in the World
#94
San Marino
Literacy Rate
96%
Ranked in the World
#91
São Tomé and Príncipe
Literacy Rate
91.75%
Ranked in the World
#129
Saudi Arabia
Literacy Rate
94.84%
Ranked in the World
#107
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
55.62%
Ranked in the World
#189
Serbia
Literacy Rate
98%
Ranked in the World
#67
Seychelles
Literacy Rate
95.32%
Ranked in the World
#101
Sierra Leone
Literacy Rate
48.43%
Ranked in the World
#192
Singapore
Literacy Rate
96.77%
Ranked in the World
#82
Education Attainment
74.5%
Ranked in the World
#13
Slovakia
Literacy Rate
99.6%
Ranked in the World
#25
Slovenia
Literacy Rate
99.71%
Ranked in the World
#22
Solomon Islands
Literacy Rate
84.1%
Ranked in the World
#148
Somalia
Literacy Rate
37.8%
Ranked in the World
#198
South Africa
Literacy Rate
94.6%
Ranked in the World
#109
South Korea
Literacy Rate
97.97%
Ranked in the World
#69
South Sudan
Literacy Rate
31.98%
Ranked in the World
#202
Spain
Literacy Rate
98.11%
Ranked in the World
#62
Education Attainment
53.3%
Ranked in the World
#24
Sri Lanka
Literacy Rate
92.61%
Ranked in the World
#125
Education Attainment
64.8%
Ranked in the World
#20
Sudan
Literacy Rate
58.6%
Ranked in the World
#187
Suriname
Literacy Rate
95.54%
Ranked in the World
#97
Sweden
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#49
Syria
Literacy Rate
86.3%
Ranked in the World
#144
Taiwan
Literacy Rate
96.1%
Ranked in the World
#89
Tajikistan
Literacy Rate
99.78%
Ranked in the World
#15
Tanzania
Literacy Rate
80.36%
Ranked in the World
#153
Thailand
Literacy Rate
93.98%
Ranked in the World
#118
The Bahamas
Literacy Rate
95.6%
Ranked in the World
#95
Togo
Literacy Rate
66.54%
Ranked in the World
#175
Trinidad and Tobago
Literacy Rate
98.97%
Ranked in the World
#52
Tunisia
Literacy Rate
81.05%
Ranked in the World
#152
Turkey
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
99.69%
Ranked in the World
#24
Turks and Caicos Islands
Literacy Rate
98%
Ranked in the World
#68
Uganda
Literacy Rate
73.81%
Ranked in the World
#168
Ukraine
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
92.99%
Ranked in the World
#124
United Kingdom
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#50
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
99%
Ranked in the World
#51
Education Attainment
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
Literacy Rate
90%
Ranked in the World
#134
Uruguay
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
100%
Ranked in the World
#7
Vanuatu
Literacy Rate
85.06%
Ranked in the World
#147
Venezuela
Literacy Rate
95.4%
Ranked in the World
#100
Vietnam
Literacy Rate
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
Literacy Rate
69.96%
Ranked in the World
#173
Zambia
Literacy Rate
85.12%
Ranked in the World
#146
Zimbabwe
Literacy Rate
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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