Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Interactive Research

Do You Live in One of the World’s Smartest Countries?

Author: Frank Holmes

Date Posted: September 27, 2022 Read time: 3 min

Explore the top 10 list.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States ranks sixth globally for adult education level. Explore which countries round out the rest of the top 10 list in this slideshow.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 10: Luxembourg

The country is one of the smallest in the world, while also one of the wealthiest. In terms of education, 42.86 percent of its population is considered an educated adult, as outlined by the OECD’s standards.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 9: Norway

Nearly all of Norway’s population lives in the South, surrounding its capital, Oslo. With roughly 5 million people living here, 43.02 percent of them are categorized as educated adults.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 8: Finland

Functioning today as a parliamentary democracy, Finland is an international leader in providing education, while also ranking high for its performances in civil rights and press freedom. According to the OECD, 43.60 percent of its population has an adult education level.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 7: Australia

This country boasts a comparatively high life expectancy for both males and females, and its major cities routinely score well in global livability surveys. When it comes to education, 43.74 percent of its population is considered an educated adult.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 6: The United States.

According to the U.S. Census, roughly 33 percent of American adults possess a bachelor’s degree or more. Based on the OECD’s list, 45.67 percent of American adults are considered educated.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 5: The United Kingdom.

The country has a long history of art and science contributions, including William Shakespeare being regarded as one of the greatest writers in the history of English literature. The U.K. is home to some of the top universities including Oxford and Cambridge. The OECD says that 45.96 percent of the population is categorized as an educated adult.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 4: Korea.

Demand for higher education in South Korea, most notably, is very strong. In 2015, the government spent US$43.1 billion on education, which seems to pay off since 46.86 percent of its population is considered educated adults.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 3: Israel.

The country’s economy is a technologically advanced one, with cut diamonds, high-tech equipment and pharmaceuticals among its major exports. The country is also highly developed in terms of education, with 49.90 percent of its population classified as educated adults, according to the OECD.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 2: Japan.

This East Asian nation is made up of four main islands, blending its ancient traditions with aspects of contemporary Western life. Japan is one of the most literate nations in the world and half of the population (50.50 percent) are educated adults.

Here Are the 10 Most Educated Countries in the World

Number 1: Canada.

This country tops the list as the most educated in the world, with 56.27 percent of adults having earned some kind of higher education. “We need education to enable people to learn, think and adapt,” says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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Sources: OECD.org, CNBC.com, USNews.com, U.S. Global Investors