The level of education in a country determines its future. People who have received a proper education can make a significant positive contribution to their families’ well-being, society’s stability, and industrial progress which all help to build a thriving community.
Moreover, in today’s cut-throat global economy, nations with the highest levels of education stand the best chance of success.
However, determining the most educated nation is a challenging task because of the ambiguousness of the concept.
Take, for example, a country where 50% of its population has achieved a secondary education and, at the same time, the share of people who have completed tertiary or higher education is 25%. In this context, a question arises — how high is the education level in this country? And what about a country where everyone has a secondary education degree but no one can boast having completed tertiary education? Does this mean that the country is less educated?
Among various research projects that have attempted to analyse and establish the most educated countries in the world, that developed by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is considered to be one of the most well-regarded.
The research authors compared the proportion of citizens between the ages of 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 who managed to finish any form of tertiary education in each nation.
Experts in education explain that these countries boast robust economies, high GDP per capita, significant investments in education, and an unemployment rate that is much lower compared to developing nations.
Top 10 countries in terms of completed tertiary education
It is important to bear in mind that the OECD study examined just 43 countries, omitting 150 other nations. Note that the scores alter when the results are split by age group.
Source: OECD
Why is education so important?
The significance of education can be explained by considering several factors. For instance, it enhances the possibility for people to have a better future. Other benefits of schooling include:
1️⃣ Stability – a well-educated person has more chances of finding a good job and widening their career options.
2️⃣ Safety – educated people more easily avoid dangerous situations, being equipped with better knowledge of what is right and wrong.
3️⃣ Stronger economy – economic development depends on a well-educated society. To remain innovative, a nation requires its population to engage in research and development.
4️⃣ Self-dependency – educated people are better able to rely on themselves, becoming financially independent and being able to make their own choices.
5️⃣ Confidence – an educational background can serve as evidence of knowledge thus allowing educated people to voice their opinions and share their views with more confidence.
6️⃣ Protection – having a good education means being able to think critically and thus avoid scams or fraudulent activity. For instance, an educated person is less likely to sign dubious or fake documents.
7️⃣ Gender equality – educational institutions that promote gender equality empower girls and boys and support the growth of crucial life skills such as self-control, communication, and critical thinking.
See also: International Day of Education: challenges and perspectives | Experts’ Opinions
Final word
Individual, collective, and economic well-being depend on education which can help to ensure gender equality and tolerance. It also can improve a person’s chances of living a long and healthy life and countries boasting high levels of education prove this theory.
