10 Countries with the Highest Reading Literacy Scores

Reading literacy is one of the most important indicators of educational success, measuring students' ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate written texts.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in its PISA 2022 Results: The State of Learning and Equity in Education (Volume I), several countries and economies achieved outstanding reading literacy scores, reflecting the strength of their education systems and commitment to academic excellence.

Singapore ranked first in the world with an exceptional reading literacy score of 543, significantly outperforming the OECD average. The city-state's consistent investment in high-quality teaching, rigorous curriculum standards, and strong emphasis on critical thinking has made it a global leader in education.

Ireland and Japan shared second place, each earning a score of 516. Ireland's education system emphasizes literacy development from an early age, while Japan combines disciplined classroom learning with a culture that strongly values reading and academic achievement.

Their outstanding performances demonstrate the effectiveness of long-term educational policies.

South Korea and Taiwan followed closely with identical scores of 515. Both education systems are known for high academic expectations, well-trained teachers, and widespread support for student learning. Their results continue to place them among the world's leading performers in reading literacy.

Estonia ranked sixth with a score of 511, maintaining its reputation as one of Europe's strongest education systems. Estonia's balanced approach to educational equity and digital innovation has enabled students across different backgrounds to achieve consistently high outcomes.

Macao ranked seventh with 510, highlighting the success of its education reforms and increasing investment in teaching quality.

Canada secured eighth place with a reading literacy score of 507, remaining one of the highest-performing countries in North America. Its inclusive education policies and emphasis on equal learning opportunities have contributed to strong student achievement.

The United States ranked ninth with 504, demonstrating performance above the OECD average despite significant regional diversity in its education system.

New Zealand completed the top ten with a score of 501. The country's focus on student-centered learning, literacy development, and critical thinking has helped maintain its position among the world's leading education systems.

The PISA 2022 results show that high-performing education systems share common characteristics, including well-prepared teachers, equitable access to quality education, effective curricula, and strong support for literacy from an early age.

As reading skills remain essential for lifelong learning, employment, and civic participation, these top-performing countries provide valuable examples for education policymakers worldwide seeking to improve student outcomes and prepare future generations for an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.