- By Ridam Sharma
- Thu, 22 May 2025 12:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Countries With Highest Literacy Rate: Literacy is one of the major aspects that reflect a country's social and economic advancements, with its overall development in the world landscape. Some countries have always managed to lead the list of highest literacy rates with improved policies and continued efforts. While some countries lack ga ood education system due to poverty, low economy and other significant reasons. To learn more about the world education system, here’s a list of the top 10 countries with the highest literacy rate, along with India’s comparison on the list, according to the World Population Review report.
List Of Top 10 Countries With The Highest Literacy Rate:
Rank | Country | Total Literacy Rate |
1. | Ukraine | 100% |
2. | Uzbekistan | 100% |
3. | North Korea | 100% |
4. | Kazakhstan | 100% |
5. | Azerbaijan | 100% |
6. | Finland | 100% |
7. | Norway | 100% |
8. | Georgia | 100% |
9. | Luxembourg | 100% |
10. | Guam | 100% |
Gender-Wise Literacy Rate Of The Top 10 Countries With The Highest Literacy Rate:
Rank | Country | Literacy Rate Male | Literacy Rate Female |
1. | Ukraine | 100% | 100% |
2. | Uzbekistan | 100% | 100% |
3. | North Korea | 100% | 100% |
4. | Kazakhstan | 99.8% | 99.7% |
5. | Azerbaijan | 99.9% | 99.7% |
6. | Finland | NA | NA |
7. | Norway | NA | NA |
8. | Georgia | 99.6% | 99.7% |
9. | Luxembourg | NA | NA |
10. | Guam | 99.8% | 99.7% |
Ukraine
Ukraine has the highest literacy rate in the world, which is 100 per cent. This success highlights the nation's solid education system with a motto of basic education for all. The country has always had high literacy rates since Soviet times.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan also has a 100% literacy rate. Compulsory education and literacy campaigns launched by the government have been the deciding factor behind these high literacy levels in the country. The average literacy rate of the country has always remained above 99% for more than two decades.
North Korea
North Korea also reports a literacy rate of 100 per cent. Despite its political isolation, the country has invested heavily in universal education, making literacy a core aspect of its national agenda. Education is free and compulsory in the country, which contributes highly to the total literacy among adults.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's average literacy rate is 100 per cent, which is also a reflection of its long-standing education policies on compulsory education. It has held a high literacy rate since the late 1990s, backed by a well-established public education system.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's literacy rate also stands at 100 per cent. The nation's Soviet heritage of quality education still stands tall to date. The country universities and schools guarantee good education with high literacy levels among youth.
Finland
Finland is world-famous for having one of the best education systems, and it is repeatedly placed among the very best. Its 100 per cent literacy rate’s credit goes to the nation’s student-centred policy, highly trained teachers, and a popular reading culture.
Norway
Norway's average literacy rate also stands at 100 per cent. Nation’s well-funded public school system, focuses on equality, and early childhood education programs have made literacy virtually universal.
Georgia
Georgia has reached a 100 per cent literacy rate with the help of reforms which give nationwide access to education and an up-to-date curriculum. Additionally, the country has always advocated quality teacher training programmes and education infrastructure.
Luxembourg
The minimal population and strong economy of Luxembourg enable it to heavily invest in education, leading to a literacy rate of 100 per cent. Multilingual schooling is a highlight of the country’s education system.
Guam
Guam is an American territory, which works with American standards of education and has scored an average of 100 per cent literacy rate.
India’s Rank On The List Of Highest Literacy Rate:
India's literacy rate is estimated at approximately 76 per cent, out of which male literacy stands at 82.4 per cent. Whereas, the female average literacy rate ranks at 65.8 per cent, which is way less than the male literacy rate. These statistics highlight a massive gender disparity among the citizens of India. The nation of billions is making significant efforts, but the regional differences, gender imbalance, and access to quality education are still prominent issues in the country.
However, the good news is that recently eastern Indian state, Mizoram has become a fully literate state with over 98.2 per cent total literacy, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024). The revelation was historic as it also made Mizoram the first fully literate state of India. This update reflects India’s continued efforts for literacy initiatives and an improved education system.