The Netherlands ranks fifth among 31 countries in adult skills for literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, according to the OECD’s PIAAC survey conducted every ten years. About 4,000 Dutch participants, representing the national population, took part.
Finland, Japan, Sweden, and Norway scored higher, while countries like the US, Spain, and Italy scored significantly lower. Dutch literacy scores have slightly decreased over the past decade, but numeracy skills have improved significantly.
Despite high rankings, 15.9% of Dutch adults aged 16 to 65 struggle with reading, and 15.5% have difficulties with numeracy. Including older adults aged 65 to 75, around 3 million Dutch people have low basic skills.
The study highlights an increase in older adults with low skills and a shift in the largest group from native Dutch speakers to those with Dutch as a second language. Young adults aged 16 to 24 also score well, although literacy has slightly declined compared to a decade ago.
The report emphasizes the need for improvement, as underlined by State Secretary Mariëlle Paul, who stresses the importance of strong literacy and numeracy skills for full participation in society.
Source: NOS