World's Largest English Proficiency Index Reveals Scandinavians on Top and Libya the Worst of 54 Countries

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EF Education First's English Proficiency Index reveals wide gaps in English skills across the world. Women are better at English than men. This is one of many findings officially reported today in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), the world's most in-depth ranking of English ability. The Swedes are the best English speakers of all based on a survey of 1.7 million adults in 54 countries and territories in five continents.

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EF Education First's English Proficiency Index reveals wide gaps in English skills across the world. Women are better at English than men. This is one of many findings officially reported today in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), the world's most in-depth ranking of English ability. The Swedes are the best English speakers of all based on a survey of 1.7 million adults in 54 countries and territories in five continents.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121024/HK90314-INFO )

"English is key to innovation and competitiveness," says Michael Lu, Senior Vice President of EF Education First. "The EF ranking should be a wake-up call to countries falling behind their neighbors - because today's report shows that poor English is linked with less trade, less innovation and lower income."

Key points to revealed by the EF EPI include:

This year's report also analyses English scores by region, age and gender for select countries.

About the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI)

The EF EPI (www.ef.com/epi/) ranks  the English proficiency of 54 countries and territories using data from 1.7 million adults around the world . 

 The EF EPI is published by the world's leading international education company, EF Education First (www.ef.com), which specializes in language learning, educational travel, academic degrees, and cultural exchange programs.

Media inquiries:
Michael Lu, EF Education First
Tel +44-2073418500
[email protected]