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December 16, 2024 | 11:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - UNESCO defines literacy as a dynamic set of skills that goes beyond traditional reading and writing. It encompasses the ability to identify, comprehend, and communicate effectively in the ever-evolving digital world.
The importance of literacy extends to the empowerment and liberation of people, which will ultimately help reduce poverty, increase involvement in the labor market, and positively impact general health development.
Just as vital as literacy, one must be aware that numeracy becomes increasingly critical as we age. From understanding mortgages and interest rates to managing personal finances and pensions, mathematical skills are essential to making informed life decisions. Therefore, numeracy is an essential skill that everyone should possess, regardless of their status—whether as citizens, parents, patients, or in any other role.
Literacy Rate by Country (Based on OECD data)
A survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revealed that around 18% of adults within the 31 OECD countries struggle to achieve the most basic levels of proficiency, including numeracy and literacy. The data shows that across various age groups, most countries experience a fall in literacy and numeracy proficiency.
However, Singapore stands out as an exception, showcasing a significant rise to 18th place due to significant improvements in the skills of young adults and adults. Citing the Straits Times, Loh Chin Ee, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, reported that Singapore's literacy rate grew from 52.6% in 1960 to 97.6% in 2021.
Here is the complete list of literacy rates by country for 2024, based on the OECD data.
1. Finland
Numeracy: 294
Literacy: 296
Adaptive problem solving: 276
2. Japan
Numeracy: 291
Literacy: 289
Adaptive problem solving: 276
3. Sweden
Numeracy: 285
Literacy: 284
Adaptive problem solving: 273
4. Norway
Numeracy: 285
Literacy: 281
Adaptive problem solving: 271
5. Netherlands
Numeracy: 284
Literacy: 279
Adaptive problem solving: 265
6. Estonia
Numeracy: 281
Literacy: 276
Adaptive problem solving: 263
7. Flemish Region (BE)
Numeracy: 279
Literacy: 275
Adaptive problem solving: 262
8. Denmark
Numeracy: 279
Literacy: 273
Adaptive problem solving: 264
9. England (UK)
Numeracy: 268
Literacy: 272
Adaptive problem solving: 259
10. Canada
Numeracy: 271
Literacy: 271
Adaptive problem solving: 259
11. Switzerland
Numeracy: 276
Literacy: 266
Adaptive problem solving: 257
12. Germany
Numeracy: 273
Literacy: 266
Adaptive problem solving: 261
13. Ireland
Numeracy: 260
Literacy: 263
Adaptive problem solving: 249
14. Czechia
Numeracy: 267
Literacy: 260
Adaptive problem solving: 250
15. New Zealand
Numeracy: 256
Literacy: 260
Adaptive problem solving: 249
16. United States
Numeracy: 249
Literacy: 258
Adaptive problem solving: 247
17. France
Numeracy: 257
Literacy: 255
Adaptive problem solving: 248
18. Austria
Numeracy: 267
Literacy: 254
Adaptive problem solving: 253
19. Singapore
Numeracy: 274
Literacy: 254
Adaptive problem solving: 252
20. Croatia
Numeracy: 254
Literacy: 254
Adaptive problem solving: 235
21. Slovak Republic
Numeracy: 261
Literacy: 254
Adaptive problem solving: 247
22. Korea
Numeracy: 254
Literacy: 248
Adaptive problem solving: 238
23. Hungary
Numeracy: 254
Literacy: 248
Adaptive problem solving: 241
24. Latvia
Numeracy: 263
Literacy: 248
Adaptive problem solving: 244
25. Spain
Numeracy: 250
Literacy: 247
Adaptive problem solving: 241
26. Italy
Numeracy: 244
Literacy: 245
Adaptive problem solving: 231
27. Israel
Numeracy: 246
Literacy: 244
Adaptive problem solving: 236
28. Lithuania
Numeracy: 246
Literacy: 238
Adaptive problem solving: 230
29. Poland
Numeracy: 239
Literacy: 236
Adaptive problem solving: 226
30. Portugal
Numeracy: 238
Literacy: 235
Adaptive problem solving: 233
31. Chile
Numeracy: 214
Literacy: 218
Adaptive problem solving: 218
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