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Reading is one of the most popular and beneficial activities people can engage in. Reading can improve knowledge, vocabulary, creativity, critical thinking, and mental health. However, reading habits vary widely across regions and countries, depending on culture, education, book access, and digital literacy. I am sharing exciting trends and statistics about reading habits worldwide based on recent research and surveys.
Asia
According to a survey by Statista 2017, China, India, and
Thailand are the top three countries where people read books most frequently.
In China, 36% of internet users reported reading a book every day or most days,
and 34% read at least once a week. In India, 32% read daily or most days, and
40% read weekly. In Thailand, 30% read daily or most days, and 35% read weekly.
These figures are far higher than the worldwide average of 22% for daily or
most days reading and 31% for weekly reading. However, reading frequency does
not necessarily translate into reading literacy. The World Bank reports that
the adult literacy rate in China was 96% in 2018; in India, it was 74%; and in
Thailand, it was 93%. These rates are lower than in some of the developed
countries where people read less frequently, such as Japan (99%), South Korea
(97%), and the United States (99%).
One of the reasons why Asian countries have high reading
frequency but low literacy rates is the limited access to libraries,
newspapers, and computers, especially in rural areas. Another reason is the
popularity of audiobooks, which are widely used by both young and old
generations in China. Audiobooks are convenient, affordable, and entertaining,
but they may have different benefits than reading printed or digital books.
Europe
Europe is home to some of the world's biggest bookworms, who read at least one hour daily. Finland, Poland, and Estonia are the top three European countries where people love reading the most, with 16.8%, 14.9%, and 14.8% of their citizens claiming reading to be their favourite pastime. These countries also have high literacy rates, ranging from 99% to 100%. On the other hand, France, Romania, Austria, and Belgium have fewer book lovers than the rest of the EU. Only 5.7%, 6.4%, 6.5%, and 6.8% of their citizens respectively said that reading was their favourite hobby. One factor that influences reading habits in Europe is digital literacy, defined as "the ability to use digital devices for communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking". According to Eurostat, at least 56% of the population in Europe aged between 16-74 have basic digital literacy. This means they can access online books and resources more quickly and effectively.
United States
The USA is one of the countries that experienced a surge in
reading during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey by Global English
Editing, Americans read 25% more books in 2020 than in 2019. Those aged between
20 and 34 spent an average of 6.6 minutes reading daily. However, not all
Americans are avid readers. About 23% of Americans have not picked up a single
book in the past year, and 29% of rural Americans have never read one. Printed
books are still the preferred format for 39% of Americans, while only 5% opt
for audiobooks. The most popular genre among US readers is romance, followed by
mystery/thriller/crime, science fiction/fantasy, biography/memoir, and
historical fiction. These genres reflect the diverse interests and tastes of
American readers.
Developing Countries
One of the main barriers to reading is the need for more
resources. Many developing countries have low literacy rates, so many people
need to learn the basic skills to read and write. Moreover, many people need
access to books, libraries, or the internet, which are sources of information
and entertainment. These resources are necessary for reading to become a smooth
activity with many benefits. Another reason people in developing countries
dislike reading is the need for more time and motivation. Many people in
developing countries face daily challenges such as poverty, hunger, disease,
violence, and corruption. These problems consume their energy and attention,
leaving little room for leisure activities like reading. Furthermore, many
people need to see the value of reading for their personal or professional
development. They may view reading as a luxury or a waste of time rather than a
necessity or a pleasure.
Benefits of Reading
Personal Growth
Reading encourages the development of one's imagination and creativity. Reading may introduce you to new concepts, points of view, and opportunities, which can force you to question your preconceived notions and motivate you to think creatively outside the box. Reading may also pique your natural inquisitiveness and inspire you to expand your knowledge of the world and yourself. Reading has been shown to increase mental health and well-being and lower stress, anxiety, and sadness levels. Additionally, it can improve your mood, self-esteem, and contentment. Reading is a great way to indulge in escapism, relaxation, and happiness. Reading helps you deal with challenging feelings and circumstances by providing new perspectives, direction, and comfort.
Reading has a profound effect on one's moral and intellectual development. Reading has the potential to shape your worldview, as well as your views, attitudes, and behaviours. It has the potential to enhance your capacity to comprehend others and oneself. Reading may also provide valuable insights into life, ethics, and the nature of people. Reading may help you develop more empathy, compassion, and respect and boost your cultural understanding and variety of thought. Reading may help you appreciate the similarities and contrasts between people and countries by exposing you to various cultures, histories, and customs worldwide. Reading is one of the best ways to combat negative attitudes such as stereotyping, prejudice, and bias.
Academic Success
Reading increases both your knowledge and your level of comprehension. Reading may introduce you to a wide range of topics, academic disciplines, and professional domains; it can also assist you in acquiring new knowledge, facts, and ideas. Reading increases your ability to communicate effectively and think critically and helps you enhance your understanding and analysis of complex subjects and concerns. Reading not only enables you to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills, but it also allows you to build your ability to argue, reason, and solve problems. Reading helps you develop critical thinking skills that can be used when evaluating sources, evidence, and arguments.
Reading improves cognitive capacity as well as academic performance and grades. Reading may be an effective way to prepare for assessments, assignments, and projects since it can improve memory and knowledge retention. Reading also helps you enhance your ability to concentrate, focus, and remember information, and it can build an interest in learning that will last a lifetime. Reading may assist you in developing a habit of lifelong learning and progress, and it can also help you stay current with the most recent research and discoveries in your profession. Reading lets you explore new themes and subject areas, which can help you with some aspects of your official education.
Professional Success
Reading increases both your network and the possibilities available to you. Reading allows you to network with professionals with the same interests, hobbies, and ambitions as you do. Additionally, it may assist you in finding new chances for education, cooperation, and professional development. Reading helps you keep up with the latest fashions, technological advances, and other products in the industry that most pique your interest. Your abilities in management and leadership will develop as a result. Reading may help you build your vision, goal, and strategy, and it can also help you enhance your ability to make decisions, solve problems, and resolve conflicts. Reading enables you to boost your productivity and efficiency and your capacity to encourage, inspire, and empower others. Reading may assist you in making the most of your time, energy, and resources, and it can also assist you in improving your ability to plan, organize, and carry out your plans. Reading enhances your brand and reputation and helps you overcome obstacles, failures, and other negative experiences. Reading improves your ability to articulate yourself in a crystal clear, self-assured, and convincing way and helps you exhibit your knowledge, trustworthiness, and professionalism. Reading is another activity that may assist you in developing trust, respect, and rapport with others.
In conclusion, cultural and societal circumstances might influence a person's reading habits. The norms and ideals of a culture and community affect the reading habits of its members. Some cultures, for instance, may place a higher importance on oral traditions than written ones, while others may prefer a particular set of literary genres and styles. Reading is something that specific populations, such as youngsters, women, or members of minority groups, may be encouraged to do in certain cultures and discouraged in others. If a person reads excessively or insufficiently, they may suffer pressure or shame from their classmates or family members, respectively. Various variables, including culture, education, the availability of books, and digital literacy, influence reading habits. Reading habits and interests vary considerably from country to country and region to region. Exploring these distinctions allows us to get a deeper understanding of ourselves and others and the value and pleasure that come from reading.
References
Statista. (2021, March 24). Book reading frequency in selected countries worldwide as of February 2017. https://www.statista.com/
World Bank. (n.d.). Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above). https://data.worldbank.org/
Global English Editing. (2020, November 6). World Reading Habits in 2020 [Infographic]. https://geediting.com/world-
National Literacy Trust. (n.d.). Reading. https://literacytrust.org.uk/
Global English Editing. (2021, December 21). World Reading Habits in 2021 [Infographic]. https://geediting.com/world-
Eurostat. (n.d.). Digital literacy statistics - individuals. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/
Global English Editing. (2020, November 6). World Reading Habits in 2020. https://geediting.com/world-
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