As of data available, Canada is considered the most educated country in the world based on the percentage of adults with a tertiary education.
Determining the most educated country can be based on different metrics such as average years of schooling, literacy rates, or the percentage of the population with tertiary education. According to the latest data from the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, countries like Canada, Japan, South Korea, and several European nations such as Germany, Sweden, and Norway often rank highly in terms of educational attainment.
For instance, based on the percentage of the population aged 25 and older that has completed at least some form of tertiary education, Canada and Japan frequently appear at the top of the list. However, rankings can vary depending on the specific criteria and data sources used.
To get the most current and precise information, it's recommended to consult the latest reports from reputable organizations like the OECD, UNESCO, or the World Bank.
Canada leads in overall tertiary education attainment for adults aged 25-64 at 63% (OECD 2022 data)[1], while South Korea leads in younger demographics, with 69.8% of 25-34-year-olds holding tertiary qualifications[1][5]. Recent 2024 rankings highlight South Korea as the most educated country globally, citing its 69.29% tertiary rate (ages 25-34) and 97.9% literacy rate[2][4][5]. Measures vary by age group and data sources, but South Korea is most frequently cited for its top-tier education system and youth achievement.
Key distinctions: - Canada: Highest overall rate across all adults[1] - South Korea: Highest youth attainment and most cited in 2024 rankings[2][5][6] - Japan (64%) and Ireland (54-63%) also rank highly[1][4][6]
For OECD’s broad 25-64 age data, Canada is first; for younger demographics and recent accolades, South Korea leads.