Study finds Morocco’s literacy below global average, ranking among 50 countries with lowest rates

A recent study by experts from the US Career Institute found that Morocco’s literacy rate is below the global average of over 86%, scoring 75.93%, while some countries have achieved a 100% literacy rate.

The Kingdom was placed on a list of 50 countries with the lowest literacy rates for people over 15, alongside Algeria, Mauritania, and Comoros, with Chad having the lowest rate at just 27%.

Norway and Finland ranked first globally for literacy, with 100% of people over 15 able to read and write, while more than 37 other countries, including the United States, France, Italy, Cuba, and Serbia, also have literacy rates above 99%.

The study highlights that, despite these differences, global literacy is generally very high. It also pointed out that there are 8 countries, including Chad, Mali, South Sudan, Botswana, and Afghanistan, where literacy rates are less than 40%. In 12 other countries, the rate doesn’t exceed 50%.

Poverty is a key factor preventing children from getting an education, as many families send their children to work instead of school. Over 75% of illiterate adults live in South and West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. All countries with 100% literacy rates are found in the world’s developed nations.

The study, based on the latest data from the World Bank and the United Nations, also noted that China’s literacy rate is 97.15%, similar to many Western countries. 

It found that impoverished countries, where education is less accessible, tend to have lower literacy rates.

Additionally, the study revealed that nearly two-thirds of illiterate adults worldwide are females. The literacy gap between genders is smaller in more developed countries.

To improve literacy, the study suggested solutions such as introducing books into children’s bedtime routines, encouraging reading at home, supporting motor skills to help children write, and incorporating reading and writing into daily activities.