Barely is not a strong generalization, it leaves some wiggle room. E.g. checks used to be used a lot in Europe but have been replaced mostly by e-payment. Check usage peaked worldwide in the 90s, and is decreasing; the US just seems to be behind that trend a bit.
Checks were never used very much in most of east Asia. They have some use in India given its UK heritage.
Don't generalize. Checks in Tunisia are used from small transactions ($20) to very big ones (certified checks).