Which Countries Spend the Most Time Reading, and Where Does India Rank ?

In a world full of screens, notifications, and endless digital distractions, one habit still stands strong across cultures—reading. Every year, global studies examine how much time people spend reading books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles. The results often surprise us. Some of the world’s most devoted readers come from countries you may not expect, and several developing nations outperform wealthy countries by a wide margin.

Where does India rank in reading books

So which countries read the most, and where does India stand on this list?
Which Countries Spend the Most Time Reading?

A major global reading study revealed that people in certain countries dedicate significantly more time per week to reading than others. The numbers below represent average weekly reading time per person.

1. India – 10 hours and 42 minutes per week

India ranks number one in the world for reading time.

Despite being a fast-paced, developing country, India’s reading culture runs deep—whether it is competitive exam preparation, spiritual books, literature, newspapers, or online articles.

Reading is woven into daily life. From metro commuters with novels to students preparing for exams, India’s reading ecosystem is massive.

2. Thailand – 9 hours and 24 minutes per week

Thailand comes in second. Public libraries, book fairs, and a growing love for digital reading keep Thailand high on the list. Schools encourage reading from a young age, which creates lifelong habits.

3. China – 8 hours per week

China, with its long history of literature, remains a reading nation. Physical books, online novels, and educational reading dominate. China has one of the largest publishing industries in the world.

4. Philippines – 7 hours and 36 minutes per week

The Philippines may surprise many, but it ranks high due to strong English literacy, booming online content consumption, and a young, highly engaged population.

5. Egypt – 7 hours and 30 minutes per week

Egypt has always been a centre of knowledge in the Arab world. The mix of religious reading, academic material, and modern literature keeps engagement high.

6. Czech Republic – 7 hours and 24 minutes per week

Czech people love libraries. The country has one of the highest numbers of libraries per capita, and reading remains an everyday hobby for young and old.

7. Russia – 7 hours and 6 minutes per week

Russia’s historical love for literature—from Tolstoy to Dostoevsky—still influences reading habits today. Books play a significant role in Russian culture.

8. Sweden – 6 hours and 54 minutes per week

Strong education systems, excellent libraries, and a love for storytelling make Sweden one of Europe’s top reading nations.

9. France – 6 hours and 54 minutes per week

France continues to value literature, print media, and cultural reading. Bookshops and literary cafés remain an important part of French lifestyle.

10. Hungary – 6 hours and 48 minutes per week

Hungary rounds out the top ten with a strong culture of book festivals and high reading rates among students.

So, Where Does India Rank?

India is officially the world’s number one country in terms of weekly reading time.

What makes this ranking even more impressive is the diversity of reading platforms in India:

Competitive exam books

Novels and literature

Newspapers (still extremely popular)

Religious and spiritual texts

Digital articles and blogs

Comics and children’s books

Regional language literature

India also has a strong library system and a booming publishing industry in Hindi, English, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, and many more languages.

Why Do Indians Spend So Much Time Reading?

1. Education-driven reading

With millions of students preparing for exams—from school boards to UPSC—reading becomes a natural part of everyday life.

2. Affordable books

From street book markets to second-hand stores, reading is accessible to everyone.

3. Regional literature

India produces more regional language books than almost any other country in the world.

4. Digital reading revolution

With smartphones and cheap internet, many people read articles, stories, and e-books on their phones.

5. Cultural value of knowledge

Indian households deeply respect education and books, influencing generations of readers.

How Reading Habits Differ Around the World

Asia leads the reading charts

Most high-ranking reading countries are in Asia. Education-oriented cultures and strong exam systems push reading habits upward.

Europe maintains traditional reading culture

Countries like Sweden, France, and the Czech Republic preserve strong literary traditions.

Western countries read less than expected

The US and UK don’t appear in the top ten. Digital entertainment, busy lifestyles, and screen addiction have reduced reading time.

Developing nations read more

Many developing countries treat reading as a primary source of knowledge, leading to higher engagement.

Why Reading Still Matters in the Digital Age

In a fast, competitive world, reading remains one of the simplest ways to grow mentally and emotionally.

It improves focus and memory.

It develops language skills.

It boosts imagination and creativity.

It reduces stress.

It increases general knowledge.

It helps in academic and career growth.

Countries that read more often enjoy stronger literacy, better education outcomes, and more informed citizens.

Reading habits may vary across the world, but the message is clear: countries that value reading tend to grow smarter, more aware, and culturally richer. India’s position at the top of the global reading list shows how deeply reading is rooted in Indian society.

Whether it’s a physical book, a digital article, a newspaper, or a regional novel, reading continues to shape knowledge and imagination across nations.

In a world full of noise, the quiet act of reading still has power—and some countries embrace it more than other.