Worldwatch Institute reports that people all over the world are completing more years of schooling than ever before, according to the latest data out of Austria. Just over 3 billion, or 61 percent of the global population 15 years or older, have finished at least some secondary schooling during their lifetime as of 2010. That’s up from 36 percent in 1970 and 50 percent in 1990, and includes those who went on to even higher education. Having advanced to secondary school or beyond indicates that individuals are better prepared for the future.

Sources: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and Vienna Institute of Demography