Propose your research For journalists FAQ
Last update: 08/26/2023 07:49 PM

Average IQ by Country

Introduction

The Intelligence Quotient, commonly known as IQ, serves as a standardized tool to measure cognitive abilities. When we mention "Average IQ," we are referencing the mean score of a particular group, whether it's a specific age group, demographic, or an entire country. This average offers a snapshot of the overall cognitive performance of the said group.

Did you know?

  • An IQ score of 100 is considered average.
  • Around 68% of the population, based on a bell curve distribution, will score within one standard deviation of the mean — that's between an IQ of 85 and 115.
  • A significant 95% of the population will score within two standard deviations, which translates to an IQ between 70 and 130.
  • It's vital to highlight that IQ tests are structured so that a majority of individuals land within the average bracket, with only small percentages deviating to extremely low or high scores.

Diving deeper, IQ tests evaluate capabilities like analytical thinking, logic, problem-solving, and often memory. So, as we delve into the discussion of Average IQ by country, we're looking beyond mere numbers. We're also seeking to grasp the socio-cultural and economic contexts that shape and influence these averages.

Ranking of countries by intelligence in 2023 - global ranking

In 2023, the global IQ rankings experienced a shuffle. While many countries retained their positions, others saw notable ascents or declines. This change can be attributed to our service expanding its coverage to include more countries over the past year.

High Confidence Level in Data: 1000+
Low Trust Degree Value: <1000
# Country Country Average IQ Number of responses
#1 South Korea 106.58 1000+
#2 China 105.38 1000+
#3 Japan 105.02 100000+
#4 Taiwan 104.92 1000+
#5 Hong Kong 104.40 1000+
#6 Switzerland 103.64 1000+
#7 Singapore 103.59 10000+
#8 Macao 103.45 100+
#9 Luxembourg 102.93 500+
#10 Hungary 102.75 1000+
#11 Portugal 102.60 1000+
#12 Italy 102.46 10000+
#13 Austria 102.18 1000+
#14 Netherlands 102.11 10000+
#15 Germany 102.04 10000+
#16 Israel 101.87 10000+
#17 Belgium 101.79 1000+
#18 Madagascar 101.47 100+
#19 Croatia 101.29 1000+
#20 Slovenia 101.28 1000+
#21 Iceland 101.14 500+
#22 Finland 101.01 1000+
#23 Slovakia 100.96 1000+
#24 Brazil 100.59 1000+
#25 Sweden 100.57 1000+
#26 Greece 100.43 1000+
#27 Malaysia 100.35 10000+
#28 Vietnam 100.01 10000+
#29 Latvia 99.94 1000+
#30 Jersey 99.87 100+
#31 Denmark 99.84 1000+
#32 Canada 99.83 10000+
#33 Cyprus 99.79 1000+
#34 Serbia 99.79 1000+
#35 Bulgaria 99.72 1000+
#36 Montenegro 99.68 500+
#37 Belarus 99.67 1000+
#38 Ireland 99.60 1000+
#39 Thailand 99.57 10000+
#40 Estonia 99.40 1000+
#41 Czechia 99.32 1000+
#42 Norway 99.23 1000+
#43 Spain 99.21 10000+
#44 Lithuania 99.12 1000+
#45 Curaçao 99.01 100+
#46 Sri Lanka 98.99 1000+
#47 Australia 98.97 10000+
#48 Peru 98.95 1000+
#49 Indonesia 98.94 10000+
#50 France 98.93 10000+
#51 Malta 98.89 500+
#52 Nigeria 98.76 1000+
#53 New Zealand 98.74 10000+
#54 Bosnia and Herzegovina 98.69 1000+
#55 Myanmar 98.66 1000+
#56 Lesotho 98.53 100+
#57 Mauritius 98.45 500+
#58 Yemen 98.43 1000+
#59 Poland 98.37 10000+
#60 Morocco 98.36 10000+
#61 Romania 98.34 10000+
#62 Papua New Guinea 98.33 100+
#63 Tunisia 98.31 10000+
#64 Réunion 98.28 100+
#65 Palestine 98.24 1000+
#66 India 98.20 100000+
#67 Fiji 98.19 100+
#68 South Africa 98.19 10000+
#69 Cameroon 98.13 100+
#70 Albania 98.11 1000+
#71 Armenia 98.07 1000+
#72 Kenya 98.06 1000+
#73 Senegal 98.05 100+
#74 Russia 98.00 100000+
#75 Côte d'Ivoire 97.96 100+
#76 Isle of Man 97.95 100+
#77 Kazakhstan 97.93 1000+
#78 North Macedonia 97.88 1000+
#79 Chile 97.86 1000+
#80 Sudan 97.86 1000+
#81 Bhutan 97.82 100+
#82 United States 97.81 100000+
#83 Suriname 97.78 100+
#84 Algeria 97.76 10000+
#85 Argentina 97.74 1000+
#86 Cambodia 97.74 1000+
#87 Ukraine 97.70 10000+
#88 Egypt 97.67 10000+
#89 Jordan 97.64 10000+
#90 United Arab Emirates 97.57 10000+
#91 Bangladesh 97.55 10000+
#92 Botswana 97.54 100+
#93 Libya 97.51 1000+
#94 Philippines 97.49 10000+
#95 Puerto Rico 97.46 500+
#96 Zimbabwe 97.41 500+
#97 Laos 97.40 100+
#98 Mongolia 97.38 1000+
#99 Mexico 97.33 10000+
#100 Syria 97.24 10000+
#101 Tanzania 97.18 500+
#102 Trinidad and Tobago 97.08 1000+
#103 Georgia 97.04 10000+
#104 Ecuador 97.03 1000+
#105 Tajikistan 96.95 100+
#106 Uzbekistan 96.93 10000+
#107 Azerbaijan 96.87 10000+
#108 Barbados 96.87 100+
#109 Oman 96.80 1000+
#110 United Kingdom 96.78 100000+
#111 Colombia 96.72 1000+
#112 Ethiopia 96.69 1000+
#113 Cuba 96.56 1000+
#114 Qatar 96.56 1000+
#115 Kyrgyzstan 96.55 1000+
#116 DR Congo 96.49 100+
#117 Lebanon 96.48 1000+
#118 Mozambique 96.45 100+
#119 Brunei 96.42 500+
#120 Ghana 96.39 1000+
#121 Moldova 96.36 1000+
#122 Uganda 96.24 500+
#123 Malawi 96.22 100+
#124 Pakistan 96.11 10000+
#125 Nepal 96.06 1000+
#126 Venezuela 95.94 1000+
#127 Bolivia 95.86 1000+
#128 Uruguay 95.80 1000+
#129 Bahrain 95.75 1000+
#130 Iraq 95.73 10000+
#131 Namibia 95.71 100+
#132 Zambia 95.56 500+
#133 Guyana 95.44 100+
#134 Afghanistan 95.39 500+
#135 Jamaica 95.28 1000+
#136 Costa Rica 95.26 1000+
#137 Guernsey 95.11 100+
#138 Rwanda 95.10 100+
#139 Turkey 95.10 100000+
#140 Kuwait 95.02 1000+
#141 Iran 94.77 10000+
#142 Mauritania 94.60 500+
#143 Guatemala 94.58 1000+
#144 Bahamas 94.49 100+
#145 Angola 94.39 100+
#146 Turkmenistan 94.15 100+
#147 Kosovo 93.97 500+
#148 Dominican Republic 93.85 1000+
#149 Paraguay 93.74 1000+
#150 Panama 93.70 500+
#151 Nicaragua 93.66 500+
#152 El Salvador 93.57 1000+
#153 Saudi Arabia 93.52 10000+
#154 Honduras 93.51 1000+
#155 Belize 93.30 100+
#156 Maldives 92.99 500+
#157 Somalia 92.57 100+
#158 French Southern Territories 137.00 <100
#159 Bouvet Island 118.00 <100
#160 Marshall Islands 112.00 <100
#161 Holy See 111.00 <100
#162 British Indian Ocean Territory 108.00 <100
#163 Palau 107.00 <100
#164 Seychelles 105.47 <100
#165 Liechtenstein 105.41 <100
#166 Åland Islands 104.55 <100
#167 Saint Barthélemy 104.50 <100
#168 Wallis and Futuna 104.00 <100
#169 Equatorial Guinea 101.80 <100
#170 Greenland 101.34 <100
#171 Nauru 101.33 <100
#172 French Polynesia 101.31 <100
#173 Togo 101.22 <100
#174 Kiribati 101.00 <100
#175 Tonga 100.92 <100
#176 Guam 100.87 <100
#177 New Caledonia 100.62 <100
#178 Monaco 100.50 <100
#179 Timor-Leste 100.29 <100
#180 Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba 100.14 <100
#181 Guadeloupe 99.93 <100
#182 Cook Islands 99.75 <100
#183 Aruba 99.56 <100
#184 Central African Republic 99.50 <100
#185 Faroe Islands 99.48 <100
#186 Comoros 99.25 <100
#187 Falkland Islands 99.14 <100
#188 Guinea 98.79 <100
#189 Burundi 98.66 <100
#190 Burkina Faso 98.21 <100
#191 Solomon Islands 98.13 <100
#192 Martinique 98.05 <100
#193 Antigua and Barbuda 97.92 <100
#194 Haiti 97.82 <100
#195 Benin 97.79 <100
#196 Djibouti 97.38 <100
#197 Andorra 97.29 <100
#198 Dominica 97.13 <100
#199 Cayman Islands 97.08 <100
#200 Saint Martin 97.05 <100
#201 Eswatini 97.00 <100
#202 British Virgin Islands 96.95 <100
#203 Mayotte 96.85 <100
#204 Cabo Verde 96.76 <100
#205 Western Sahara 96.67 <100
#206 Turks and Caicos Islands 96.58 <100
#207 U.S. Virgin Islands 96.46 <100
#208 Niger 96.45 <100
#209 Eritrea 96.42 <100
#210 Bermuda 96.24 <100
#211 Chad 96.21 <100
#212 Gabon 96.11 <100
#213 North Korea 96.00 <100
#214 Gibraltar 95.98 <100
#215 Mali 95.77 <100
#216 Northern Mariana Islands 95.64 <100
#217 San Marino 95.60 <100
#218 Sint Maarten 95.18 <100
#219 French Guiana 95.04 <100
#220 Anguilla 95.00 <100
#221 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 94.83 <100
#222 Saint Lucia 94.81 <100
#223 Samoa 94.71 <100
#224 Montserrat 94.67 <100
#225 American Samoa 94.13 <100
#226 Tuvalu 94.00 <100
#227 Grenada 93.62 <100
#228 Sierra Leone 93.61 <100
#229 Vanuatu 93.40 <100
#230 Liberia 93.29 <100
#231 Gambia 93.10 <100
#232 Guinea-Bissau 92.00 <100
#233 South Sudan 91.31 <100
#234 Saint Kitts and Nevis 90.44 <100
#235 Republic of the Congo 89.10 <100
#236 Micronesia 84.17 <100
#237 Sao Tome and Principe 81.00 <100
#238 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 75.00 <100

Countries with the Highest IQ

Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, consistently rank at the top of global IQ standings. Their emphasis on education and technology has solidified their reputations as intellectual leaders globally. In our analysis, Switzerland is the only European country that can rival their standings, credited to its high levels of economic and political stability.

  1. South Korea — 106.58
  2. China — 105.38
  3. Japan — 105.02
  4. Taiwan — 104.92
  5. Hong Kong — 104.40
  6. Switzerland — 103.64
  7. Singapore — 103.59

Countries with the Lowest IQ

While some narratives may carry negative connotations, it's essential to understand that several countries in Africa and Latin America register lower on the IQ spectrum. This, however, is not indicative of their inherent potential but rather reflects challenges in sectors like education and health. Our research presents unbiased and carefully compiled data. Interestingly, our findings indicate that the average IQ in countries ranking lower on our table stands at 93. Some studies available online suggest average IQ scores below 70 for these regions, but such figures often misrepresent a population's cognitive abilities, as scores below 70 are typically associated with cognitive impairments (read more here). Thus, it's vital to approach such data with a discerning and informed perspective.

What affects the average IQ across countries?

Education System Quality

Curriculum Rigor and Relevance

A comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum ensures students receive relevant knowledge, fostering cognitive skills critical for IQ tests. It's not just about memorizing facts; it's about understanding and applying concepts.

You know, it's kind of like training for a marathon. You wouldn't just focus on sprinting; you'd also build endurance, right? Similarly, a strong curriculum prepares students for a myriad of challenges.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Counties that prioritize universal access to education tend to have a better average IQ. This is because when more individuals receive formal education, there's a collective upliftment in cognitive capabilities.

Think about it as a team sport. When every player gets a chance to train and play, the whole team benefits.

Teacher Quality and Continuous Training

The quality of educators is paramount. Well-trained teachers not only impart knowledge but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Regular training ensures they are equipped with modern pedagogical methods, ensuring effective teaching.

Remember that one teacher who made a difference in your life, who made complex topics seem so easy? That's the power of a good educator.

Infrastructure and Learning Environment

A conducive learning environment, complete with necessary resources like libraries, labs, and technology, can significantly enhance learning experiences. In regions where these facilities are readily available, there's a direct correlation with better average IQ scores.

Healthcare and Nutrition

Importance of Early Life Healthcare

Neurological Development: The first few years of life are foundational for brain development. Access to quality healthcare can identify and treat potential developmental issues early on.

Prevention of Illnesses: Regular health checks and vaccinations can prevent diseases that may otherwise affect cognitive abilities.

Nutrition's Role in Cognitive Growth

Essential Nutrients: The brain requires nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and certain vitamins for its optimal functioning. A deficiency in these can impair cognitive abilities.

Impact of Malnutrition: Malnourished children, especially in their early years, may experience hindered brain development, affecting their IQ scores in the long run.

Comparing High and Low IQ Countries: A Case Study

If we pull up a list of countries by average IQ, there's a trend you might notice. Countries with comprehensive healthcare systems and robust nutritional programs often lead the charts.

Scandinavian Case: Countries like Norway and Sweden, known for their extensive healthcare systems, frequently report high average IQ scores. Coincidence? Not likely.

Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: Unfortunately, some regions, like parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, face malnutrition and healthcare challenges, which can reflect in their average IQ scores. But remember, these numbers aren't destiny; they're more like a snapshot in time.

Socioeconomic Factors

Conducive Learning Environment

Safety and Stability. 
Picture this: a child trying to study in an environment riddled with socio-political unrest. It's hardly ideal. Socioeconomic stability, therefore, plays a pivotal role in creating environments conducive to learning and intellectual growth.

Resource Availability.
In stronger socioeconomic settings, there's often better access to learning resources like libraries, digital platforms, and extracurricular activities. It's a bit like having multiple pathways to the same destination.

Employment Opportunities

Parental Employment.
Employment opportunities, which are directly tied to socioeconomic conditions, determine a family's access to resources. An employed parent can provide better educational tools, from books to tutoring.
Aspiration and Future Orientation.
In regions with ample job opportunities, education is often seen as a pathway to a brighter future. This can motivate learners to strive for higher cognitive achievements.

Socioeconomic Prosperity

Cultural Emphasis on Education.
Socioeconomic prosperity often influences cultural values. In societies where prosperity is tied to knowledge, there's a heightened emphasis on education and intellectual pursuits.
Community Support Systems.
Prosperous communities often establish support systems like tutoring centers, mentorship programs, and workshops that boost learning.

Cultural Values and Priorities

Culture, an intangible yet potent force, invariably shapes cognitive landscapes. The emphasis a culture places on education, intellectual pursuits, and continuous learning can sculpt the average IQ of its population.

You've heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," right? In some counties, that village values academic achievement and pushes for collective intellectual growth. It's the age-old tales, traditions, and priorities that make the difference.

Environmental Factors

The environment, both in terms of natural surroundings and infrastructural development, plays a pivotal role in influencing IQ. Clean air, access to green spaces, and a pollution-free atmosphere can have a profound effect on cognitive abilities.

Think about it this way: a breath of fresh air isn't just a saying. It's a reality. The better the environment, the clearer the mind can function.

Political Stability

An environment of political stability ensures uninterrupted access to essential services, including education. A stable political environment correlates with systematic growth, which in turn provides a conducive atmosphere for cognitive development.

But remember, a county constantly on its toes due to political unrest might find it challenging to prioritize education and cognitive growth. It's about ensuring the basics first.

Technological Advancement

The integration of cutting-edge technology into daily life and education systems can significantly bolster cognitive growth. Access to information, digital tools, and innovative teaching methods can elevate the learning experience.

Ever had a "Wow, there's an app for that!" moment? It's this surge in technology that's bridging gaps and opening avenues for enriched learning.

Parental Involvement

Lastly, but by no means least, is the influence of parental involvement. Active participation by parents in their child's academic journey can provide the necessary support and motivation to excel.

Because, at the end of the day, a little encouragement from mom and dad, or just someone who cares, goes a long way.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Intelligence Capital Index

Every year, multiple studies and indexes are released that showcase the average IQ of various countries. The Intelligence Capital Index (ICI) ranks countries not only based on their raw average IQ scores but also considers other influential factors like education, technological advancement, and innovation. In this exploration, we'll seamlessly blend in-depth analysis with relatable insights to unveil the top 10 countries leading in the ICI.

Definition and Metrics: The ICI, a comprehensive tool, incorporates various metrics from cognitive abilities, innovation prowess, to technological adaptability.
Why it Matters: Beyond the conventional IQ score, the ICI paints a more holistic picture of a nation's intellectual capacity.

1. Singapore

Professional Analysis: Historically, Singapore has invested heavily in education and technology, a commitment that's evident in their top-tier ranking.
Conversational Insight: Ever been to Singapore? It's like walking into the future with its smart cities and advanced infrastructure.

2. South Korea

Professional Analysis: South Korea's emphasis on education, especially STEM subjects, contributes heavily to its high ICI.
Conversational Insight: K-pop isn't the only thing South Korea's renowned for, their tech scene is equally poppin'!

3. Japan

Professional Analysis: With a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Japan's contribution to technology and science is globally recognized.
Conversational Insight: From samurai swords to cutting-edge robotics—Japan's got the range!

4. Hong Kong

Professional Analysis: Hong Kong's globalized education system and emphasis on multilingualism boost its ICI.
Conversational Insight: It's a fusion of East meets West, and it shows not just in their culture but in their intellect.

5. China

Professional Analysis: Rapid industrialization paired with significant investments in higher education propels China's ranking.
Conversational Insight: China's not just about the Great Wall; their great minds are making waves internationally.

6. Taiwan

Professional Analysis: Taiwan’s robust tech industry and innovation-centric education system underpin its high ICI.
Conversational Insight: Known for bubble tea and semiconductors—Taiwan’s blend of culture and tech is truly refreshing.

7. Iceland

Professional Analysis: A surprising entry for many, Iceland's focus on sustainability and education is unparalleled.
Conversational Insight: Besides their breathtaking Northern Lights, their enlightened approach to education is another thing of beauty.

8. Switzerland

Professional Analysis: Switzerland's world-renowned universities and research institutions justify its position on the list.
Conversational Insight: Watchmaking, chocolates, and high IQs—it’s all in a day's work for the Swiss!

9. Netherlands

Professional Analysis: The Dutch approach to globalized education and emphasis on research makes it a top contender.
Conversational Insight: Beyond their iconic windmills, the Dutch are spinning the gears of innovation.

10. Norway

Professional Analysis: With a well-rounded education system and a strong focus on research, Norway secures its spot.
Conversational Insight: Fjords, Northern Lights, and intellectual prowess—the trifecta of Norwegian pride.