Which is the world’s most literate nation? Is it US? No, it’s not.
According to the report of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the literacy rates puts United States (US) at 6th.
Then, Who is Number One?
It’s Canada.
Several different surveys and studies have been conducted to find out the most literate or educated countries in the world. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has made a list of world’s most literate countries on the base of number of adult residents between the ages of 25 and 64 that have received a tertiary education i.e. two-year or four year degree or have received an education through a vocational program.
Based on OECD, the world’s most literate nation is Canada with 56.71% adult meeting the criteria. It is followed by Japan with 51.44% and Israel with 50.92%.
Nations around the world have different levels of development. Some nations are developed, some are less-developed or underdeveloped. The level of development greatly depend upon the level of education or the different levels of education determine the levels of development. In developed nation, most of the adults are literate and have attend at least basic high school education. But this is opposite to the less developed or underdeveloped countries. Less adults are literate in undeveloped countries. Similarly, the quality of education, availability of educational materials, physical infrastructures are very poor in undeveloped countries. So, there is less access to education.
Generally, country’s education can be classified into different levels specially in eight levels. It starts from 0 level which includes Early childhood Education (early childhood educational development). It is specially designed to the age below 3 and from 3 years so as to prepare children to participate in the school and society.
Level 1 education includes the primary education which is typically designed to provide foundation of reading and writing skills. It is the solid foundation for learning.
Level 2 education includes the Lower secondary education. It the first stage of secondary education which is more subject oriented.
Level 3 i.e. Upper secondary education level which is the second stage of secondary education. In this level, children are prepared for tertiary education or providing skills relevant to employment.
Level 4 education includes Post-secondary non-tertiary education. In this level, learners are prepared for entering into the labor market. The content here in are broader than secondary level and not as complex as tertiary education.
Level 5 education includes Short-cycle tertiary education. This level of education is more practical and occupational based designed to enter into labor market. It also may be the gateway to other tertiary educational programs.
Level 6 education includes Bachelor or equivalent education. This level is designed to provide intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a first tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Level 7 or Master or equivalent level of education. It is specially designed to provide advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a second tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Level 8 or Final Level, i.e. Doctoral or equivalent level of education which is designed to lead to an advanced research qualification. It leads to Ph. D. It is generally concluded with the submission and defense of a substantive dissertation.
Top 30 most literate countries with its tertiary percentage
| Country | Tertiary (%) | Upper Secondary (%) |
| Canada | 56.71 | 34.41 |
| Japan | 51.44 | Na |
| Israel | 50.92 | 36.46 |
| South Korea | 47.74 | 39.87 |
| United States | 46.36 | 44.29 |
| United Kingdom | 45.74 | 35.42 |
| Ireland | 45.66 | 36.35 |
| Australia | 45.36 | 35.63 |
| Finland | 44.30 | 43.80 |
| Norway | 43.21 | 38.76 |
| Switzerland | 42.59 | 45.21 |
| Iceland | 42.38 | 34.75 |
| Sweden | 41.94 | 41.06 |
| Luxembourg | 40.33 | 36.37 |
| Belgium | 40.26 | 36.54 |
| Estonia | 39.66 | 49.02 |
| Denmark | 39.23 | 42.10 |
| New Zealand | 37.73 | 41.15 |
| Netherlands | 37.17 | 41.21 |
| Spain | 36.35 | 22.72 |
