In Europe, the most educated populations are found in Ireland, with 51% of residents holding higher education degrees, and Sweden, with 47%. At the opposite end, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks last with only 16% of its population having completed higher education.

Croatia has 27% of its population with higher education, Serbia 25%, and Slovenia 31%.

In most European countries, compulsory education lasts between 10 and 12 years. The most significant progress is seen in France, where compulsory education lasts 15 years, starting at age 3 and continuing until age 18.

In Belgium, Hungary, Romania, and five German states, students are required to attend school for at least 13 years.

The shortest compulsory education periods are in Poland, Slovenia, and Estonia, where it lasts 9 years, and in Croatia, where it lasts only 8 years.