5 Countries with the Highest Literacy Rate in the World

In this article, we will look at the 5 countries with the highest literacy rates in the world. If you wish to look at our detailed analysis, you can go directly to 20 Countries with the Highest Literacy Rate in the World.

5. Korea, Dem. People’s Rep.

Total Adult Literacy Rate (People Aged 15 and Above) as of 2018: 100%

Population as of 2022: 26.069 million people 

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea, has an adult male, adult female, and youth literacy rate of 100%. The latest statistics for the country are available from 2018.

4. Uzbekistan

Total Adult Literacy Rate (People Aged 15 and Above) as of 2022: 100%

Population as of 2022: 35.648 million people 

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country with a population of 35.65 million as of 2022. It has a literacy rate of 100% in adults aged 15 and older, ranking it fourth on our list.

3. Poland

Total Adult Literacy Rate (People Aged 15 and Above) as of 2021: 100%

Population as of 2022: 36.82 million people 

The Republic of Poland is a Central European country bordering the Baltic Sea in the north. The latest statistics for Poland’s literacy rate are from 2021. It has a 100% literacy rate for adult males, adult females, and youth.

2. Ukraine

Total Adult Literacy Rate (People Aged 15 and Above) as of 2021: 100%

Population as of 2022: 38 million people 

Ukraine is a European country with a 100% adult male literacy rate, adult female literacy rate, and total youth literacy rate. The latest data available from the country is from 2021. As of 2022, Ukraine’s population is 38 million people. However, it is subject to change due to the recent Ukraine-Russia conflict.

1. Russian Federation

Total Adult Literacy Rate (People Aged 15 and Above) as of 2021: 100%

Population as of 2022: 144.23 million people 

The Russian Federation has a population of 144.2 million people as of 2022, according to estimates by the World Bank. The country has 100% literate adult males, adult females, and youth as of 2021. It ranks first on our list of the 20 countries with the highest literacy rates in the world.

You can also look at 25 Best Countries For College Education and 20 Countries that Spend the Most on Education.