Literacy Rate By Country

Literacy serves as one of the most crucial stepping stones towards individual development, poverty reduction, and overall societal progress. By empowering individuals with the ability to read and write, we unlock their potential and open doors for countless opportunities across all aspects of life. As we cast a global lens on the literacy landscape, we witness a stark unevenness in literacy rates among different countries -- a testament to ongoing disparities and the work still needed to ensure access to quality education for all.

To help grasp the depth of this issue, let's delve into some key findings from a recent literacy rate data by country:

• With an impressive 100% literacy rate, countries like Finland, Norway, Luxembourg, Andorra, Greenland, Liechtenstein, and Uzbekistan top the chart showcasing their achievements in providing comprehensive education to their populace.
• The United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, New Zealand, Ireland, Iceland, and Monaco, among others, are closely behind with 99% literacy rates.
• Despite progress, several nations still struggle with alarming literacy gaps. Niger, with a literacy rate of 19.10%, rests at the bottom, preceded by Guinea, South Sudan, and Mali, which have literacy rates below 35%.
• Countries with high population densities, such as China and Indonesia, have managed to achieve commendable literacy rates of 96.36% and 95.44% respectively, underlining the effectiveness of their educational policies.
• In contrast, some nations with significant population sizes, like India and Pakistan, still grapple with considerable challenges, contributing to lower literacy rates of 72.23% and 56.44% respectively.

As we recognize these disparities, it's vital to acknowledge the tremendous efforts made by governments, international organizations, and NGOs worldwide to bridge this literacy gap. Yet, this data reinforces that further strides are needed to ensure that every individual, irrespective of geographic location, has the essential right to read and write. Such progress will stand as a cornerstone to achieving sustainable development and lasting change on a global scale.

The top countries with the highest literacy rates are Finland, Norway, Luxembourg, Andorra, Greenland, Liechtenstein, Uzbekistan, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Finland, Norway, Luxembourg, Andorra, Greenland, Liechtenstein, and Uzbekistan have an impeccable score with a 100% literacy rate. This means that every citizen in these seven countries is literate, reflecting the high standard of education in these countries.

Latvia follows closely with a literacy rate of 99.89%, making it the eighth country with the highest literacy. Coming in at ninth and tenth, Estonia and Lithuania both have very high literacy rates of 99.82%.

10 countries with the highest literacy rates in the world:

1. Finland - 100% Literacy Rate
2. Norway - 100% Literacy Rate
3. Luxembourg - 100% Literacy Rate
4. Andorra - 100% Literacy Rate
5. Greenland - 100% Literacy Rate
6. Liechtenstein - 100% Literacy Rate
7. Uzbekistan - 100% Literacy Rate
8. Latvia - 99.89% Literacy Rate
9. Estonia - 99.82% Literacy Rate
10. Lithuania - 99.82% Literacy Rate

These rankings serve as a testament to the quality of education and literacy programs in these nations.

Among all nations worldwide, the lowest literacy rates are found primarily in African and Middle-Eastern countries. These countries, according to data, are Niger, Guinea, South Sudan, Mali, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Afghanistan, Benin, and Chad.

Niger is the country with the lowest literacy rate, standing at a meager 19.10%. Following closely behind is Guinea with a literacy rate of 30.47%. South Sudan's literacy rate stands at 31.98%, making it the third country with the lowest literacy rate.

Mali, with a literacy rate of 33.07%, is the fourth country in the list. The Central African Republic and Burkina Faso are not far behind, with their literacy rates standing at 36.75% and 37.75% respectively.

Somalia and Afghanistan have very similar literacy rates, at 37.80% and 38.17% respectively. Benin's literacy rate stands at 38.45%, while Chad wraps up our list with a literacy rate of 40.02%.

10 Countries With Lowest Literacy Rates:

1. Niger - 19.10%
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 - 37.80%
8. Afghanistan - 38.17%
9. Benin - 38.45%
10. Chad - 40.02%

These staggering figures underscore the need for literacy and education programs and interventions in these areas.

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.

Year: 2021

Source: UNESCO (via World Bank), processed by Our World in Data