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Most illiterate countries -

Many of the world’s most illiterate countries can trace their illiteracy to systemic issues that typically involve poor government policies, brutal economic conditions, and (sometimes) even war. Let’s take a look at which nations have the lowest literacy rates.

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15. Senegal -

Senegal’s literacy level of 58% is higher than many of its West African peers, but still only about six in 10 adults can read. Factors include a history of limited colonial investment in mass education and persistent poverty in rural areas. Much like other nations in West Africa, economic conditions force some children to quit school early to work.

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14. Guinea-Bissau -

Guinea-Bissau’s literacy remains very low, at a rate of 52.9%, due to entrenched poverty and political instability. The country has experienced frequent coups and unrest, disrupting any long-term education policies. Schools, particularly in rural areas, are few and often poorly equipped, while many adults (especially women) never had the chance to attend these schools.

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13. Ethiopia -

Ethiopia’s literacy rate is 51.8%. Historically, under imperial and Derg Marxist regimes, education was limited to a small urban elite, leaving a legacy of low literacy. The current government has expanded primary schooling rapidly, but quality and completion rates remain issues, especially in rural highlands.

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12. Sierra Leone -

With a rate of 48.6%, Sierra Leone has struggled to raise literacy after a brutal civil war (1991–2002) that devastated its schools and economy. Many adults today missed out on schooling during the war years. Poverty remains high, so children often work in diamond mines or agriculture rather than attend school.

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11. Liberia -

Liberia’s literacy challenges stem from a legacy of civil war and economic collapse. Two civil wars (from 1989 to 2003) destroyed much of the country’s education infrastructure; many schools were burnt and teachers displaced. As a result, a whole generation missed out on formal education, especially in rural areas. The nation’s literacy rate currently sits at 48.3%.

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10. Benin -

Benin’s literacy level is under half at 47%, which is a reflection of the nation’s underdeveloped education system and economic hardship. Historical neglect of formal education during colonial times meant low baseline literacy. Culturally, voodoo and traditional practices did not historically include reading, and formal schooling still competes with economic needs like farming or trading.

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9. Burkina Faso -

Burkina Faso faces low literacy due to widespread poverty and a primarily rural society. Cultural expectations sometimes prioritize children working or caring for family over attending school. The government has made primary education compulsory on paper, but economic constraints and an agrarian lifestyle means that the country’s rate of 46% hasn’t changed much over the decades.

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8. Guinea -

Guinea’s literacy rate of 45.3% is influenced by economic and historical factors. As a low-income country, it has struggled to build an extensive school system; many adults never attended school, particularly women. Colonial policies left a weak education legacy, and post-independence governments have had limited success in expanding access.

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7. Somalia -

Somalia’s protracted state collapse and conflict have left the majority of its population illiterate. For decades, there was no functioning central government to provide schooling. Many schools were destroyed or closed during civil war, and security issues still hinder access to education. As of 2025, Somalia’s literacy rate sits at 41%.

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6. Niger -

Niger’s literacy rate of 38% is only around one-third of adults, owing to it being one of the world’s poorest nations. Educational access is extremely limited in rural Niger, where most of the population lives as subsistence farmers. Children (especially girls) have low school enrollment and high dropout rates due to child labor needs and early marriages.

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5. Central African Republic -

The Central African Republic has an exceedingly low literacy rate of 37.5%, which reflects a history of political turmoil and neglect of public education. Years of conflict and instability have led to a lack of schools and teachers, particularly outside the capital. Extreme poverty means children often must work rather than attend school.

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4. Afghanistan -

Afghanistan’s literacy has been stunted by continuous conflict and conservative social norms. War and instability over 40 years have severely disrupted schooling, while government efforts to improve education face challenges from violence and poverty. This has kept the country’s literacy rate at a low of 37.3%.

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3. South Sudan -

South Sudan, the world’s newest country, has one of the lowest literacy rates, sitting at 34.5%. Decades of civil war (even before independence) destroyed schools and left generations without formal education. Ongoing conflict and instability mean many children have never been to school. Especially affected are girls, since cultural norms and safety concerns keep female attendance very low.

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2. Mali -

The nation of Mali has a literacy rate of 31%. Mali struggles with deep poverty, a largely rural population, and ongoing conflicts (which disrupt schooling). Government capacity to provide education is limited, and schools, especially in remote areas, are scarce.

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1. Chad -

The country with the lowest literacy rate in the world is the Central African nation of Chad, where only 27% of the population can read and write. The country’s extremely low literacy is driven by chronic poverty and very limited access to education. Many children, especially in rural areas, never attend school, and nearly 70% of youth are illiterate.

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Most literate countries -

While these nations can attribute their low literacy rates to poverty, political instability, and cultural barriers, the countries with the highest rates in the world tend to have well-funded institutions and historical commitments to schooling. Let’s take a look at them now.

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15. Estonia -

Estonia's literacy rate of 99.9% stems from a robust education system that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital competence. Early adoption of technology in the ’90s integrated digital tools into classrooms, which enhanced learning experiences. The curriculum mandates studies in humanities and sciences up to the age of 19, fostering a well-rounded education for all.

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14. Latvia -

With a literacy rate of 99.9%, Latvia is another post-Soviet nation that can be found in the top 15. The country has an excellent education system and a strong reading culture. A legacy of mandatory schooling under the USSR established high literacy, and post-independence governments have upheld robust education standards.

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13. Belarus -

Similar to Latvia, the country of Belarus holds a literacy rate of 99.9% that is a byproduct of Soviet-era educational success. Economic challenges exist, but basic education remains a priority, supported by cultural respect for learning.

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12. Liechtenstein -

Liechtenstein, along with the remaining countries on this list, all boast 100% literacy rates. Liechtenstein’s universal literacy can be attributed to its wealth and excellent education facilities. The principality’s government ensures quality schooling for all residents, often in collaboration with the Swiss education system.

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11. Greenland -

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, boasts 100% literacy. Education is managed by Danish authorities, providing comprehensive schooling across the sparsely populated island. Danish economic support ensures schools and materials are available even in isolated communities.

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10. Andorra -

Andorra, a tiny mountainous country nestled between Spain and France, has universal literacy. Its government provides free, mandatory education influenced by the systems of neighboring countries. High per capita income and investment in schools ensure even remote areas have access to education.

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9. Luxembourg -

Luxembourg, located in Western Europe, is another nation that enjoys complete literacy. Strong economic conditions mean ample resources for schools and low dropout rates. There is also a cultural expectation of completing education. As a result, practically every adult in Luxembourg can read and write, which has also added to the nation’s high living standards.

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8. Georgia -

Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, the country of Georgia maintains universal literacy thanks to the legacy of Soviet universal education and continued emphasis on schooling. Despite economic transitions, basic education has been preserved. Culturally, Georgia values learning (with a rich literary history), contributing to sustained literacy for virtually all adults.

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7. Norway -

The Scandinavian country of Norway also boasts a literacy rate of 100%, which is thanks to its wealthy economy and comprehensive public education. Government spending on schools is high, and education is compulsory through age 16. Culturally, Norwegians place importance on education and reading, which, combined with political stability, results in near-total adult literacy.

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6. Finland -

Finland is renowned for its top-tier education system and has effectively 100% literacy. Government policies provide free, high-quality schooling and highly trained teachers. Economic prosperity and egalitarian social policies ensure that virtually every Finn receives education, which reflects a cultural commitment to learning excellence.

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5. Azerbaijan -

Azerbaijan, nestled between Europe and Asia, has achieved universal literacy, largely due to mandatory education policies established during the Soviet period. The state continues to fund and prioritize basic education, which yields equal literacy rates for men and women. Today, economic gains from oil allow continued support for educational programs.

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4. Kazakhstan -

Kazakhstan’s 100% literacy rate reflects its strong public education network and a Soviet heritage of universal schooling. The government invests oil revenues into education, which ensures schooling even in rural areas. Economic growth and stable governance have enabled impressive school enrollment.

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3. North Korea -

North Korea claims universal literacy, achieved through an intensive state-controlled education system. Government policy mandates schooling for all and aggressive literacy campaigns from early ages. The regime’s ideological drive means reading and writing are taught as patriotic duties. However, data transparency is limited, and the 100% figure is largely based on government reports.

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2. Uzbekistan -

Uzbekistan’s literacy is universal, a legacy of the former Soviet Union’s massive investments in education. Government policies maintain free compulsory schooling, and there is a cultural expectation for children to attend school. Despite economic challenges, this post-Soviet state has preserved high literacy through robust education infrastructure.

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1. Ukraine -

Coming in at first place on the list is Ukraine, a country that also enjoys 100% literacy. This rate is rooted in a strong Soviet-era education system that made schooling compulsory. Government support for education and a cultural emphasis on learning have sustained near-total literacy in the nation, even through economic hardships.

Sources: (World Population Review) (Britannica)

See also: How libraries revolutionized the way we read

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