Highlights:
•United States leads the world in reading — 357 hours annually.
•India and the UK follow closely with 352 and 343 hours respectively.
•Bangladesh ranks 97th, averaging just 2.75 books per person yearly.
•CEOWORLD Magaizine surveyed readers across 102 countries.
Global Reading Habits: The 2024 CEOWORLD Report
Despite the digital revolution, global interest in reading remains strong, according to a 2024 CEOWORLD Magazine survey covering 102 countries. The report reveals that people in the United States spend the most time reading books, while Bangladesh sits near the bottom of the list.
Top Reading Nations: USA, India, and the UK
The study found that Americans dedicate an impressive 7 hours per week to reading, translating to 357 hours annually.
Right behind them, India ranked second, with readers spending about 352 hours a year, only five hours less than the U.S.
In third place, the United Kingdom maintains a strong reading culture, averaging 6.5 hours weekly or 343 hours per year.
Europe’s Strong Presence in Reading Culture
European nations continue to show a robust reading tradition.
•France ranks 4th with 305 hours a year.
•Italy holds 5th place, with citizens spending 278 hours annually reading.
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Countries like Germany (141 hours), Finland (131), and Norway (153) also ranked within the top 30, demonstrating Europe’s literary strength.
Asia’s Reading Trends: India Shines, Bangladesh Struggles
While India remains a standout, Bangladesh struggles to keep pace with regional peers.
•Bangladesh ranks 97th, where an average person reads just 2.75 books a year, spending about 62 hours annually on reading.
•China (154 hours) and Japan (135 hours) fare significantly better, showcasing more consistent reading habits.
•Pakistan (60 hours) and Afghanistan (58 hours) are the lowest-ranked Asian nations, trailing even behind Bangladesh.
Top 10 Book-Loving Countries in the World (2024)
1. United States — 357 hours per year
2. India — 352 hours per year
3. United Kingdom — 343 hours per year
4. France — 305 hours per year
5. Italy — 278 hours per year
6. Canada — 232 hours per year
7. Russia — 223 hours per year
8. Australia — 217 hours per year
9. Spain — 187 hours per year
10. Netherlands — 182 hours per year
South Asian Reading Rankings (2024)
1. India — Global Rank 2 — 352 hours per year
2. Sri Lanka — Global Rank 84 — 76 hours per year
3. Bangladesh — Global Rank 97 — 62 hours per year (2.75 books annually)
4. Pakistan — Global Rank 100 — 60 hours per year
5. Afghanistan — Global Rank 102 — 58 hours per year
Reading Decline or Digital Shift?
Though many assume people read less because of digital media, CEOWORLD’s data suggests the opposite — readers worldwide are adapting rather than abandoning reading. E-books, online articles, and digital platforms have diversified how people engage with written content.
Still, countries like Bangladesh highlight challenges such as limited access to libraries, costly books, and lack of reading culture, especially among younger generations.
“Grow smarter, not harder — ঝামেলামুক্ত অনলাইন ব্যবসার শুরু করুন Storola দিয়ে “
Bangladesh’s Reading Challenge
Experts suggest that Bangladesh’s low ranking reflects deeper social and educational issues.
•Limited library infrastructure.
•Expensive printed books.
•Low encouragement for reading beyond academic needs.
Developing digital reading platforms and promoting community libraries could help foster better reading habits. Encouraging school-based book clubs and public literacy campaigns might also gradually shift the trend.
Bangladesh’s reading time lags significantly behind neighboring India and even smaller South Asian nations, showing the urgent need for a stronger literary culture.
The United States leads the world as the most book-loving nation, while Bangladesh, despite its rich literary heritage, ranks 97th in reading time. The data highlights a global reading revival but also reminds us of regional disparities.
To climb higher in future rankings, Bangladesh must nurture reading as a habit, not just a necessity through schools, libraries, and digital innovation.
