1. Europe:
- Western Europe: In countries like England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, literacy rates were relatively high. Compulsory education laws were gradually implemented during the late 1800s, leading to increased literacy rates.
- Eastern Europe: Literacy rates in Eastern European countries were generally lower compared to Western Europe. However, there were efforts to improve literacy, particularly in the latter part of the century.
2. North America:
- United States: Literacy rates in the United States improved throughout the 1800s. Public education systems were established, and by the end of the century, most children had access to elementary education.
- Canada: Similar to the United States, literacy rates in Canada increased during the 1800s as education became more accessible.
3. South America:
- Literacy rates in South American countries varied. Some countries, such as Argentina and Chile, had relatively high literacy rates, while others had significant disparities between urban and rural areas.
4. Asia and Africa:
- Asia: Literacy rates varied widely across different regions. In some countries like Japan, literacy was promoted and achieved high levels, while in others, the majority of the population remained illiterate.
- Africa: Literacy rates were generally low in most African countries. Colonial powers introduced some education systems, but access was limited and largely focused on urban areas.
Overall, literacy rates improved during the 1800s, particularly in developed countries and urban areas. However, significant disparities in access to education and literacy still existed, especially between social classes and regions. It was not until the 20th century that universal education became more widespread, leading to dramatic increases in literacy rates around the world.