Activity 1: Education Overview 

Western Europe is one of the wealthiest, most urban, and well-educated regions in the world. In most of Western Europe, school is mandatory until students reach the age of 16, but many students then attend college.

Western Europe contains some of the oldest and most renowned universities. Oxford University in England and the University of Paris opened their doors to students before 1200. Many universities started at this time after Pope Gregory VII issued a ruling calling for the creation of schools of education for the clergy. Hundreds of secular colleges—those without religious affiliation—were established by the 1400s.

One of Northern Europe’s most notable achievements is their literacy rate. In Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, the literacy rate is nearly 100 percent. The educational system in Northern European countries has strong support from the government, and most schooling is free, because Northern European citizens pay relatively high taxes.