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 2024 - global ranking
In 2024, 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.
# | 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.
- South Korea — 106.58
- China — 105.38
- Japan — 105.02
- Taiwan — 104.92
- Hong Kong — 104.40
- Switzerland — 103.64
- 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.