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Countries With Highest And Lowest Literacy Rates: International Literacy Day 2025 is a worldwide event that highlights the value of education and literacy. This annual September 8th celebration serves as a reminder of how literacy can transform lives, give people more power, and lead to better opportunities. Reading books is only one aspect of being literate; other aspects include comprehending significant information, developing new abilities, and actively engaging in society.

Education is essential to lowering poverty, enhancing health, and creating strong economic conditions in the rapidly growing world of today. Even though many nations have high literacy rates, some are still making great efforts to give their citizens access to a basic education. This day also draws attention to the disparities that still exist in educational systems around the world, particularly in areas that are impacted by poverty, conflict or a lack of funding.

The world can concentrate more on aiding those in need if it knows which nations are the most literate and which are having difficulties. Let's explore the ten nations with the highest and lowest rates of literacy in 2025.

Top 10 Countries With the Highest Literacy Rates 

As per the US Career Institute research report of 2024, the countries with the highest literacy rates in the world are Andorra, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Ukraine, North Korea and more. These nations have literacy levels close to 100%, due to strong education systems, modern teaching methods and equal access to schooling. Government policies, digital learning tools and community programs ensure that almost every citizen can read, write, and use information effectively. Their success stories inspire other nations to improve education and achieve universal literacy.

Rank Country Literacy Rate (%) Continent Reason for High Literacy Rate
1 Andorra 100.00 Europe Strong European education system and universal access to schooling
1 Finland 100.00 Europe Globally acclaimed education model emphasising equality and free access to education
1 Greenland 100.00 North America Small population, Danish-supported education system, and high investment in universal literacy
1 Liechtenstein 100.00 Europe High standard of living, compulsory schooling, well-funded education system
1 Luxembourg 100.00 Europe Multilingual and compulsory education system, excellent government support
1 Norway 100.00 Europe Free compulsory education, strong emphasis on lifelong learning
1 Ukraine 100.00 Europe Legacy of Soviet emphasis on universal literacy, a strong schooling system
1 Uzbekistan 100.00 Asia Government-driven universal literacy policies since the Soviet era
1 North Korea 100.00 Asia State-led compulsory education system ensures nationwide literacy
10 Latvia 99.89 Europe Robust public education, universal school enrollment, and U.S. education standards

Source:  US Career Institute Research 2024


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Top 10 Countries With Lowest Literacy Rates

In 2025, some nations continue to struggle to provide their citizens with basic literacy. Some of the world's lowest literacy rates are found in countries like Niger, South Sudan, Chad, Mali, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea and Somalia. Education is challenging in these areas due to a number of factors, including poverty, conflict, a shortage of schools and restricted access to teachers. Governments and international organisations are collaborating to raise literacy levels and offer better opportunities for the coming generations. 

Rank Country Literacy Rate (%) Continent Reason for Low Literacy Rate
1 Chad 26.76 Africa Extreme poverty, insecurity, a dispersed rural population, and refugee crises
2 Mali 30.76 Africa Persistent poverty, lack of infrastructure, and gender disparity
3 South Sudan 34.52 Africa Armed conflict, displacement, and limited schooling access
4 Botswana 36.75 Africa Rural-urban disparities and resource limitations
5 Afghanistan 37.27 Asia Decades of war, gender norms, and Taliban restrictions on girls' education
6 Niger 37.34 Africa Poverty, limited rural schools, and traditional gender roles
7 Central African Republic 37.49 Africa Ongoing conflict and severe poverty
8 Somalia 37.80 Africa War, displacement, and lack of functioning schools
9 Guinea 45.33 Africa Poor infrastructure and economic hardship
10 Benin 45.84 Africa Poverty, weak educational resources, and gender inequality

Source: US Career Institute Research 2024

India and Its Neighbours Rank In the World’s Literacy Rate

In terms of global literacy rankings, India and its neighbours present a mixed picture. China has the best education system in the region, ranking 83rd with a 97.15% literacy rate. Sri Lanka maintains high educational standards in South Asia, coming in at number 123 with 92.38%. Bangladesh is marginally ahead of India, which is ranked 169th with 74.37%, at 167th with 74.91%. Pakistan continues to have the lowest literacy rate in the region at 186th place with 58%, while Nepal comes in at 172nd place with 71.15%. These numbers demonstrate the necessity of more robust educational reforms in South Asia.

World Rank Country Literacy Rate (%) Reason for Literacy Rate
83 China 97.15 Sustained investment, strong government policy, widespread compulsory education
123 Sri Lanka 92.38 Free education policy, high public spending on schooling
167 Bangladesh 74.91 Poverty, natural disasters, child labour, rural/urban divides
169 India 74.37 Large population, regional disparities, poverty, gender gap, and rural access challenges
172 Nepal 71.15 Remote geography, poverty, conflict, and  limited infrastructure
186 Pakistan 58.00 Gender inequality, conflict, inadequate funding, and rural exclusion

Source: US Career Institute Research 2024


ALSO READ: Top 10 Most Educated Countries In The World 2024

In conclusion, International Literacy Day 2025 reminds us that education is the key to progress for every nation. While some countries lead with high literacy rates, others are still struggling to provide basic learning opportunities. Education not only helps people read and write but also builds confidence, reduces poverty, improves health, and creates better job opportunities. A world with equal access to education is a world with more peace, innovation, and growth. That is why it is important for every country to work together to make education a right for all, ensuring no one is left behind.