Here are 2025 five countries with the highest literacy rates

The literacy rate shows how many people in a country can read and write. It is an important measure of a country’s education system and development.

Countries with high literacy rates have better job opportunities, strong economies, and informed citizens. Many nations work hard to improve their education systems to ensure everyone can read and write.

According to Adda247, a trusted platform dedicated to helping students excel in studies and careers, here are the five countries with the highest literacy rates.

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Andorra

Andorra, a small country in Europe, is located between Spain and France. Even though it is small, it has made education a top priority.

It has the highest literacy rate at 100 percent, and in Andorra, education is free and compulsory for children aged six to 16. The government ensures that every child receives a good education.

The country offers Andorra, French, and Spanish education systems. Government support, multilingual learning, and strong policies ensure that everyone can read and write, making Andorra a leader in literacy.

Andorra’s education system is unique and follows three different models: the Andorra System (taught in Catalan), the French System (taught in French), and the Spanish System (taught in Spanish).

Children can study in any of these systems. Primary school lasts for six years, and secondary school lasts for four years. The government builds and maintains schools, but many teachers are paid by Spain and France.

The literacy rate is so high in Andorra because education is free and compulsory. Every child must go to school, and the government spends a lot of money on education.

Besides, Andorra encourages people to be involved in the country’s development, and students learn in different languages, helping them gain more knowledge.

Finland

Finland has a 100 percent literacy rate, which is one of the highest in the world.

The Finnish government is spending massively on education because it sees education as a key factor in the country’s development goal.

Education is compulsory in Finland, and the education system is renowned for its high quality and equity, primarily due to a major reform in the 1970s that transitioned from a tracked system to a comprehensive “peruskoulu” (basic school) where all children attend the same type of school, regardless of background.

It has a strong focus on teacher quality and student well-being; this system was built upon a foundation of early church-led education, with the first Finnish-language school established in 1858, and the first university, the Royal Academy of Turku, founded in 1640, later moving to Helsinki under Russian rule to become the University of Helsinki.

Read also: Africa’s top 10 countries with the best education systems

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein has a 100 percent literacy rate. Liechtenstein’s education system is based on a traditional model based on Catholic pedagogic principles and is compulsory from ages six to 15.

The system is influenced by neighbouring countries, particularly Switzerland. The small size of the country as well as its geopolitical location and historically grown relationships with its neighbouring countries have strongly influenced the development of Liechtenstein and its education system.

Liechtenstein’s education system is the responsibility of the state; that is, state schools as well as private schools are under the supervision of the state. School attendance is compulsory.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s literacy is 100 percent, and it has a multilingual schooling system that consists of fundamental education, secondary education, and higher education.

Most schools are run by the state and are free. Attending school is obligatory from the ages of four to 16.

The government runs most schools in Luxembourg for free. Nearly every school is a multilingual melting pot of French, German, Luxembourgish, and some English.

This guide takes you through the options of Luxembourg’s fundamental education from age three to 11 years old as well as secondary education from ages 12 to 17 or 18 years old.

Read also: Top 10 countries that spend the most on education

Norway

Norway’s education system is free and equitable, with a focus on preparing students for university or vocational careers. The system has evolved over the centuries from cathedral schools to public schools and universities.

Children between the ages of six and 16 must attend school, according to Norwegian education law. Norway’s education system is separated into four tiers. Elementary, lower secondary education, upper secondary education, and higher education. Norway is in high demand when it comes to international degrees.