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The best performing countries were the Scandinavian nations. Denmark was best, with just 10 per cent unable to operate a computer, closely followed by Sweden at 11 per cent. Further behind are Luxembourg with 20 per cent non-computer literate, Germany on 21 per cent and the United Kingdom 25 per cent.

At the other end of the scale, in some countries over half the population have no basic computer knowledge. These include Greece with 65 per cent unable to use a computer, new member Hungary with 57 per cent and Cyprus and Portugal on 54 per cent.

Most surprising is Italy where 59 per cent of the population is unable to use a PC. All of these countries, however, have large rural economies where the mastery of computer technology is seen as marginal.

Less surprising is the finding that computer illiteracy rises with age. Only 10 per cent of the EU's 16-24 year olds are unable to use a computer compared to 29 per cent of 25-54 year olds. At 55 and above the ability to use a computer falls dramatically with 65 per cent unable to use a PC. This figure ranges from 27 per cent in Denmark and Sweden to 93 per cent in Greece.