Infosheet - International Study of Adults

Infosheet - International Study of Adults (PDF, 8.77 MB)

Infosheet - International Study of Adults
Description: Infosheet - International Study of Adults

Statistics Canada has been collecting information on literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills of adults since 1994. A total of 32 countries are participating in the 2022 International Study of Adults (ISA).

Average literacy score by province and territory in Canada

Literacy results are represented on a score scale of 0 to 500

Average literacy score by province and territory in Canada
Province / Territory Score
Prince Edward Island 278
Alberta 278
Yukon 277
Ontario 276
British Columbia 275
Nova Scotia 274
Manitoba 274
Saskatchewan 272
Quebec 269
New Brunswick 268
Newfoundland and Labrador 265
Northwest Territories 253
Nunavut 219
Source: Statistics Canada, ISA, 2012

Top 15 countries literacy average scores over 38 participating countries

Top 15 countries literacy average scores over 38 participating countries
  Country Score
1 Japan 296
2 Finland 288
3 Netherlands 284
4 New Zealand 281
5 Australia 280
6 Sweden 279
7 Norway 278
8 Estonia 276
9 Flanders (Belgium) 275
10 Russian Federation 275
11 Czech Republic 274
12 Slovak Republic 274
13 Canada 274
14 England (UK) 273
15 Korea 273
Source: Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) (2012, 2015, 2018)

Your participation in this study will help ensure Canada is:

  • preparing for future learning demands
  • providing the skills Canadians need to succeed at work and in everyday life
  • shaping a new path for technological advancement
  • understanding how their adult population is performing in comparison to other countries
  • improving the skills Canadians need to participate more successfully in today's society and economy

Did you know?

  • Your answers represent about 1000 Canadians!
  • Canada ranked above the average of all participating countries in the three domains (literacy, numeracy, and problem solving)
  • People with higher skills are more likely to report better health and to participate in volunteer activities in their communities

To learn more about ISA

Please visit International Study of Adults (ISA)

Additional information

Our agents are available Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Email: infostats@statcan.gc.ca

Telephone: 1-833-977-8287

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