Global Reading Patterns
In a recent study by World Population Review and CEO World Magazine, the United States and India were identified as the top countries for the number of books read per person in 2024. The average American dedicated 357 hours annually to reading, equating to approximately 17 books each year. Meanwhile, Afghans, who ranked lowest, averaged only about 3 books per year.
India followed the US closely, with individuals reading for an average of 352 hours annually, resulting in about 16 books per person. In the United Kingdom, which placed third, the reading average was 343 hours per year. France and Italy also ranked highly, demonstrating strong reading cultures.
Other countries that made it to the top list included Canada, Russia, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Conversely, nations like Afghanistan, Brunei, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were noted for spending the least amount of time on books.
Most Widely Read Books
The Holy Quran and the Bible are the most widely read books globally, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
In contemporary literature, the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien stand out as highly popular works of the 21st century, capturing the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Several classic literary masterpieces continue to be cherished, including Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment.
Additionally, Selected Quotations by Chairman Mao, a compilation of statements by Mao Zedong, remains a significant read stemming from its political and historical influence.
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