Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Denmark Ends Book Tax to Combat Reading Crisis
Denmark has stopped taxing books to help kids read better.
A study showed that many Danish teenagers have trouble understanding what they read.
Officials worry this will cause problems for school, jobs, and the country.
Teens are also spending more time on phones and screens and less time reading books, which is why the government took this action.
Denmark has removed its 25% sales tax on books.
The move aims to address a 'reading crisis' in the country.
An OECD report indicated that one in four Danish 15-year-olds struggle with basic text comprehension.
Officials fear this impacts education, the economy, and democracy.
Teenagers are reportedly spending less time reading and more time on social media, streaming, and games.
- Who
- Danish officials and policymakers.
- What
- Denmark eliminated its 25% sales tax on books.
- When
- The action was taken recently, with the reasons announced now.
- Where
- Denmark.
- Why
- To combat a 'reading crisis' and improve literacy rates, which are seen as vital for education, the economy, and democracy.
- Tax Removed
- 25% sales tax on books
- Primary Goal
- Address a 'reading crisis'
- Report Source
- OECD
- Affected Group
- 1 in 4 Danish 15-year-olds