Countries With the Highest Literacy Rate
Literacy — the ability to read and write — is a fundamental building block of development, enabling people to participate in economic, social, and political life. Nearly 40 countries have achieved near-universal adult literacy rates above 99%, including most of Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Cuba. Global adult literacy has improved dramatically over the past century, from about 36% in 1900 to over 87% today. Despite this progress, approximately 770 million adults worldwide remain illiterate, with the highest concentrations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Note: World Bank literacy data has significant gaps for high-income countries where near-universal literacy is assumed.
Complete ranking
| # | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Georgia | 4.00M |
| 2 |  Uruguay | 3.50M |
| 3 |  United Arab Emirates | 11.29M |
| 4 |  Mongolia | 3.54M |
| 5 |  Palestine | 5.48M |
| 6 |  Saudi Arabia | 35.30M |
| 7 |  Bahrain | 1.59M |
| 8 |  Bolivia | 11.37M |
| 9 |  Panama | 4.06M |
| 10 |  Mexico | 130.58M |
| 11 |  Colombia | 53.06M |
| 12 |  Paraguay | 6.11M |
| 13 |  Brazil | 213.42M |
| 14 |  Jordan | 11.73M |
| 15 |  Dominican Republic | 10.77M |
| 16 |  Peru | 34.35M |
| 17 |  Ecuador | 18.10M |
| 18 |  Sri Lanka | 21.76M |
| 19 |  South Africa | 63.10M |
| 20 |  Lesotho | 2.12M |
| 21 |  El Salvador | 6.03M |
| 22 |  Cape Verde | 491.2K |
| 23 |  Honduras | 9.89M |
| 24 |  Guatemala | 18.08M |
| 25 |  India | 1.42B |
| 26 |  Uganda | 45.91M |
| 27 |  Zambia | 19.69M |
| 28 |  Nigeria | 223.80M |
| 29 |  Mali | 22.40M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the highest literacy rate?
Many countries report literacy rates at or near 100%, including most of Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, and Cuba. It is difficult to definitively rank them as measurement methodologies differ.
Which country has the lowest literacy rate?
South Sudan, Mali, Niger, Guinea, and Chad consistently rank among the countries with the lowest adult literacy rates, often below 40%. Mali and Niger have literacy rates below 30% for adults.
How is literacy rate measured?
Literacy rate is typically defined as the percentage of adults (15+) who can both read and write a short, simple statement about their everyday life. Measurement methodologies vary between countries, making direct comparisons challenging.
How does education affect literacy?
Primary education is the most critical factor for literacy. Countries that invest heavily in universal primary education, provide free school meals, and train quality teachers achieve the highest literacy rates. Gender equality in education is also crucial.
Is Cuba really more literate than some rich countries?
Cuba reports a literacy rate of over 99%, higher than the United States (which has a functional illiteracy rate of about 20%, though basic literacy is near-universal). Cuba achieved this through a massive 1961 literacy campaign that sent volunteers across the country.