Literacy is another foundational element for economic development and national competitiveness. Summarized below are literacy rates (adults 15 years and older) for leading countries. Note that India, the largest outsourcing location, has a significant literacy challenge. Other large locations such as China and the Philippines have significantly higher rates. Eastern European rates are even higher and in many cases match those of North America and Western Europe.

Literacy rates are sourced from the OECD 2009 Global Education Digest or the CIA World Factbook.