Average IQ by Country 2025

Average IQ

Years of Schooling

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Average IQ 2019

1.	Japan	106.48
2.	Taiwan	106.47
3.	Singapore	105.89
4.	Hong Kong	105.37
5.	China	104.1
6.	South Korea	102.35
7.	Belarus	101.6
8.	Finland	101.2
9.	Liechtenstein	101.07
10.	Germany	100.74
11.	Netherlands	100.74
12.	Estonia	100.72
13.	Luxembourg	99.87
14.	Macau	99.82
15.	Cambodia	99.75
16.	Canada	99.52
17.	Australia	99.24
18.	Hungary	99.24
19.	Switzerland	99.24
20.	United Kingdom	99.12
21.	Greenland	98.89
22.	North Korea	98.82
23.	Slovenia	98.6
24.	New Zealand	98.57
25.	Austria	98.38
26.	Iceland	98.26
27.	Denmark	97.83
28.	Belgium	97.49
29.	United States	97.43
30.	Norway	97.13
31.	Sweden	97
32.	France	96.69
33.	Poland	96.35
34.	Slovakia	96.32
35.	Russia	96.29
36.	Lithuania	95.89
37.	Croatia	95.75
38.	Andorra	95.2
39.	Ireland	95.13
40.	Czech Republic	94.92
41.	Latvia	94.79
42.	Italy	94.23
43.	Vanuatu	93.92
44.	New Caledonia	93.92
45.	Spain	93.9
46.	Bermuda	93.48
47.	Cyprus	93.39
48.	Portugal	92.77
49.	Israel	92.43
50.	Barbados	91.6
51.	Malta	91.27
52.	Myanmar	91.18
53.	Mongolia	91.03
54.	Bulgaria	90.99
55.	Greece	90.77
56.	Suriname	90.29
57.	Ukraine	90.07
58.	Moldova	89.98
59.	Serbia	89.6
60.	Vietnam	89.53
61.	Iraq	89.28
62.	Uzbekistan	89.01
63.	Kazakhstan	88.89
64.	Thailand	88.87
65.	Armenia	88.82
66.	Bosnia and Herzegovina	88.54
67.	Costa Rica	88.34
68.	Bhutan	87.94
69.	Chile	87.89
70.	Mexico	87.73
71.	Tajikistan	87.71
72.	Uruguay	87.59
73.	Malaysia	87.58
74.	Brunei	87.58
75.	Bahamas	86.99
76.	Romania	86.88
77.	Turkey	86.8
78.	Argentina	86.63
79.	Sri Lanka	86.62
80.	Mauritius	86.56
81.	Turkmenistan	85.86
82.	Montenegro	85.78
83.	Trinidad and Tobago	85.63
84.	Azerbaijan	84.81
85.	Georgia	84.5
86.	Turks and Caicos Islands	84.29
87.	Paraguay	84.04
88.	Fiji	83.96
89.	Solomon Islands	83.96
90.	Samoa	83.96
91.	Kiribati	83.96
92.	Micronesia	83.96
93.	Tonga	83.96
94.	Marshall Islands	83.96
95.	Cook Islands	83.96
96.	Cuba	83.9
97.	Bahrain	83.6
98.	Brazil	83.38
99.	Guyana	83.23
100.	Colombia	83.13
101.	Venezuela	82.99
102.	Cayman Islands	82.24
103.	Afghanistan	82.12
104.	Haiti	82.1
105.	Dominican Republic	82.05
106.	United Arab Emirates	82.05
107.	Puerto Rico	81.99
108.	North Macedonia	81.91
109.	Albania	81.75
110.	Lebanon	81.7
111.	Philippines	81.64
112.	Peru	81.44
113.	Northern Mariana Islands	81.36
114.	Laos	80.99
115.	Libya	80.92
116.	Qatar	80.78
117.	Jordan	80.7
118.	Maldives	80.54
119.	Iran	80.01
120.	Pakistan	80
121.	Grenada	79.34
122.	Tunisia	79.22
123.	Kyrgyzstan	79.09
124.	Panama	79
125.	Sudan	78.87
126.	Chad	78.87
127.	Seychelles	78.76
128.	Oman	78.7
129.	Kuwait	78.64
130.	Indonesia	78.49
131.	Papua New Guinea	78.49
132.	Timor Leste	78.49
133.	Ecuador	78.26
134.	Palestine	77.69
135.	Senegal	77.37
136.	Comoros	77.07
137.	Madagascar	76.79
138.	British Virgin Islands	76.69
139.	Bolivia	76.53
140.	Uganda	76.42
141.	Saudi Arabia	76.36
142.	Egypt	76.32
143.	India	76.24
144.	Algeria	76
145.	Kenya	75.2
146.	Angola	75.1
147.	Jamaica	75.08
148.	Tanzania	74.95
149.	Syria	74.41
150.	Bangladesh	74.33
151.	Zimbabwe	74.01
152.	Burkina Faso	73.8
153.	Saint Lucia	73.68
154.	Mozambique	72.5
155.	Burundi	72.09
156.	Niger	70.82
157.	Antigua and Barbuda	70.48
158.	Saint Kitts and Nevis	70.48
159.	Rwanda	69.95
160.	Benin	69.71
161.	Malawi	69.7
162.	El Salvador	69.63
163.	Botswana	69.45
164.	South Africa	68.87
165.	Lesotho	68.87
166.	Eswatini	68.87
167.	Eritrea	68.77
168.	Zambia	68.43
169.	Ethiopia	68.42
170.	Djibouti	68.41
171.	Nigeria	67.76
172.	Cameroon	67.76
173.	Somalia	67.67
174.	Morocco	67.03
175.	Namibia	66.19
176.	Dominica	66.03
177.	Sao Tome and Principe	65.22
178.	DR Congo	64.92
179.	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	63.42
180.	Republic of the Congo	62.97
181.	Gabon	62.97
182.	Yemen	62.86
183.	Central African Republic	62.55
184.	Belize	62.55
185.	Honduras	62.16
186.	Togo	59.83
187.	Mali	59.76
188.	Mauritania	59.76
189.	South Sudan	58.61
190.	Ghana	58.16
191.	Ivory Coast	58.16
192.	Guinea	53.48
193.	Nicaragua	52.69
194.	Gambia	52.68
195.	Cape Verde	52.5
196.	Guatemala	47.72
197.	Sierra Leone	45.07
198.	Liberia	45.07
199.	Nepal	42.99

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Average IQ in the World
Countries with the Highest IQ
Countries with Lowest IQ
By Region
Table
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Average IQ in the World

IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a standardized measure of cognitive ability, often used to compare intellectual potential across individuals and populations. Individual IQ tests are designed to measure personal intelligence, while national IQ averages point to trends in education, socio-economic development, and environmental factors that influence cognitive ability.

A disclaimer, though, is that IQ can change over time, especially in children, and it can be influenced by education, nutrition, trauma, and the environment. Therefore, it is not an absolute measure of your mental capabilities for life.

What is The Intelligence of Nations?

The Intelligence of Nations by Richard Lynn and David Becker is a study that analyzes various sources on national IQ data. It builds on decades of research into global intelligence variations, providing a comparative analysis of IQ levels across different countries.

IQ is measured using standardized tests such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and Raven’s Progressive Matrices, which evaluate problem-solving skills, memory, and logical reasoning. The results are then normalized to a global mean of 100, with variations analyzed across populations. National IQ scores are determined by aggregating data and adjusting for factors such as literacy rates, educational access, and public health conditions.

These scores do not represent innate intelligence but rather reflect the combined influence of genetics, environment, and access to resources that support cognitive development.

Average IQ by Country

Region ↕	Average IQ 2019↕	Years of Schooling 2022↕
Afghanistan	82.12	2.5
Albania	81.75	10.1
Algeria	76	7.0
Andorra	95.2	11.6
Angola	75.1	5.8
Antigua and Barbuda	70.48	10.5
Argentina	86.63	11.1
Armenia	88.82	11.3
Australia	99.24	12.7
Austria	98.38	12.3
Azerbaijan	84.81	10.6
Bahamas	86.99	12.7
Bahrain	83.6	11.0
Bangladesh	74.33	7.4
Barbados	91.6	9.9
Belarus	101.6	12.2
Belgium	97.49	12.5
Belize	62.55	8.8
Benin	69.71	3.1
Bermuda	93.48
Bhutan	87.94	5.8
Bolivia	76.53	9.8
Bosnia and Herzegovina	88.54	10.5
Botswana	69.45	10.4
Brazil	83.38	8.3
British Virgin Islands	76.69
Brunei	87.58	9.2
Bulgaria	90.99	11.4
Burkina Faso	73.8	2.3
Burundi	72.09	3.3
Cambodia	99.75	5.2
Cameroon	67.76	6.5
Canada	99.52	13.9
Cape Verde	52.5	6.1
Cayman Islands	82.24
Central African Republic	62.55	4.0
Chad	78.87	2.3
Chile	87.89	11.1
China	104.1	8.1
Colombia	83.13	8.9
Comoros	77.07	6.2
Cook Islands	83.96
Costa Rica	88.34	8.8
Croatia	95.75	12.3
Cuba	83.9	10.5
Cyprus	93.39	12.4
Czech Republic	94.92	12.9
DR Congo	64.92	7.2
Denmark	97.83	13.0
Djibouti	68.41	3.9
Dominica	66.03	9.2
Dominican Republic	82.05	9.2
Ecuador	78.26	9.0
Egypt	76.32	9.8
El Salvador	69.63	7.2
Eritrea	68.77	5.1
Estonia	100.72	13.5
Eswatini	68.87	5.7
Ethiopia	68.42	2.4
Fiji	83.96	10.4
Finland	101.2	12.9
France	96.69	11.7
Gabon	62.97	9.6
Gambia	52.68	4.5
Georgia	84.5	12.7
Germany	100.74	14.3
Ghana	58.16	6.4
Greece	90.77	11.4
Greenland	98.89
Grenada	79.34	9.9
Guatemala	47.72	5.7
Guinea	53.48	2.4
Guyana	83.23	8.6
Haiti	82.1	5.6
Honduras	62.16	7.3
Hong Kong	105.37	12.3
Hungary	99.24	12.2
Iceland	98.26	13.8
India	76.24	6.6
Indonesia	78.49	8.6
Iran	80.01	10.7
Iraq	89.28	6.8
Ireland	95.13	11.7
Israel	92.43	13.4
Italy	94.23	10.7
Ivory Coast	58.16	4.2
Jamaica	75.08	9.2
Japan	106.48	12.7
Jordan	80.7	10.4
Kazakhstan	88.89	12.4
Kenya	75.2	7.7
Kiribati	83.96	9.1
Kuwait	78.64	7.4
Kyrgyzstan	79.09	12.0
Laos	80.99	5.9
Latvia	94.79	13.3
Lebanon	81.7	8.6
Lesotho	68.87	7.5
Liberia	45.07	5.3
Libya	80.92	7.8
Liechtenstein	101.07	12.4
Lithuania	95.89	13.5
Luxembourg	99.87	13.0
Macau	99.82
Madagascar	76.79	4.6
Malawi	69.7	5.2
Malaysia	87.58	10.7
Maldives	80.54	7.8
Mali	59.76	1.6
Malta	91.27	12.2
Marshall Islands	83.96	12.8
Mauritania	59.76	4.8
Mauritius	86.56	10.0
Mexico	87.73	9.2
Micronesia	83.96	7.3
Moldova	89.98	11.8
Mongolia	91.03	9.4
Montenegro	85.78	12.6
Morocco	67.03	6.1
Mozambique	72.5	3.9
Myanmar	91.18	6.5
Namibia	66.19	7.2
Nepal	42.99	4.5
Netherlands	100.74	12.6
New Caledonia	93.92
New Zealand	98.57	12.9
Nicaragua	52.69	7.3
Niger	70.82	1.3
Nigeria	67.76	7.6
North Korea	98.82
North Macedonia	81.91	10.2
Northern Mariana Islands	81.36
Norway	97.13	13.1
Oman	78.7	11.9
Pakistan	80	4.4
Palestine	77.69	9.9
Panama	79	10.7
Papua New Guinea	78.49	4.9
Paraguay	84.04	8.9
Peru	81.44	10.0
Philippines	81.64	9.0
Poland	96.35	13.2
Portugal	92.77	9.6
Puerto Rico	81.99
Qatar	80.78	10.1
Republic of the Congo	62.97	8.3
Romania	86.88	11.4
Russia	96.29	12.4
Rwanda	69.95	4.9
Saint Kitts and Nevis	70.48	10.8
Saint Lucia	73.68	8.6
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	63.42	11.0
Samoa	83.96	11.4
Sao Tome and Principe	65.22	5.9
Saudi Arabia	76.36	11.3
Senegal	77.37	2.9
Serbia	89.6	11.5
Seychelles	78.76	11.2
Sierra Leone	45.07	3.5
Singapore	105.89	11.9
Slovakia	96.32	13.0
Slovenia	98.6	12.9
Solomon Islands	83.96	5.9
Somalia	67.67	1.9
South Africa	68.87	11.6
South Korea	102.35	12.6
South Sudan	58.61	5.7
Spain	93.9	10.6
Sri Lanka	86.62	11.2
Sudan	78.87	3.9
Suriname	90.29	8.4
Sweden	97	12.7
Switzerland	99.24	13.9
Syria	74.41	5.7
Taiwan	106.47
Tajikistan	87.71	11.3
Tanzania	74.95	5.6
Thailand	88.87	8.8
Timor Leste	78.49	6.0
Togo	59.83	5.6
Tonga	83.96	10.9
Trinidad and Tobago	85.63	11.7
Tunisia	79.22	8.0
Turkey	86.8	8.8
Turkmenistan	85.86	11.1
Turks and Caicos Islands	84.29
Uganda	76.42	6.2
Ukraine	90.07	11.1
United Arab Emirates	82.05	12.8
United Kingdom	99.12	13.4
United States	97.43	13.6
Uruguay	87.59	9.1
Uzbekistan	89.01	11.9
Vanuatu	93.92	7.2
Venezuela	82.99	9.6
Vietnam	89.53	8.5
Yemen	62.86	2.8
Zambia	68.43	7.3
Zimbabwe	74.01	8.8

Countries with the Highest IQ

As of 2019, the countries with the highest average IQ scores demonstrate strong educational systems, advanced technological development, and a cultural emphasis on academic achievement. These nations often invest heavily in education, research, and innovation, creating environments that foster intellectual growth. Factors such as access to quality schooling, well-developed healthcare systems, and high literacy rates contribute to their consistently high rankings in global intelligence assessments.

What country has the highest IQ?

With an average IQ of 106.48, Japan is the highest ranking country in terms of cognitive ability. This achievement can be credited to Japan’s strict educational standards, significant funding in research and development, and policies that prioritize education and technological progress.

Japan has a 99% literacy rate, a very good performance in the UNDP Education Index, and ranks in fourth place on PISA scores. The country is a top performer due to the quality of its education system. The system prioritizes a holistic education, nurturing both academic achievement and social growth through the support of skilled teachers and strong community engagement. As of 2024, OECD shows that 98% of children are enrolled in early childhood education one year before primary school in Japan. Tertiary education attainment among 25-34-year-olds is also high, with 69% of women and 62% of men holding such qualifications. However, due to challenges such as intense competition around university entrance exams, students often turn to private tutoring (juku) for support. While public funding covers mandatory education levels, limited financial aid for early childhood and higher education also creates barriers for low-income families. Smoother school-to-work transitions and long working hours for teachers remain key concerns as well.

According to the OECD, to tackle these challenges, Japan has implemented a number of reforms in its educational system. To reduce reliance on private education resources, the government has enhanced the curriculum by increasing study hours in primary and lower secondary schools. Moreover, Japan is prioritizing teacher support through improved training and hiring practices, while also strengthening school-community partnerships to enhance education and reduce teacher workloads. Furthermore, financial assistance measures have been introduced to lower the cost of education for low-income families, particularly at non-mandatory levels such as early childhood and tertiary education.

In terms of research, Japan stands out as a leader in science, technology, and innovation. Since 2001, the country has consistently invested over three percent of its GDP in research and development (R&D) and has 25 Nobel Prize winners in Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine. Japan ranks third worldwide on patents granted, highlighting its innovation output. The country’s research landscape is driven by strong institutions like RIKEN and JST, and supported by organizations such as JSPS, which offer fellowships for both domestic and international researchers. Research is conducted mainly across universities, research institutions, and the business sector. International collaboration also plays a key role, particularly with Germany and the EU, with growing university partnerships, joint research projects, and support from organizations like DWIH Tokyo and DAAD to foster international cooperation.

Japan’s policies reflect a strong commitment to advancing both education and technological innovation. Through initiatives like the Integrated Innovation Strategy 2022 and reforms recommended by the OECD, the government is promoting a human-centered “Society 5.0” by investing in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, while also enhancing research capacity and fostering cross-sector collaboration. This vision is supported by initiatives that strengthen research capabilities, promote STEAM education, and foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest IQ

Japan holds the top spot with an average IQ of 106.48, closely followed by Taiwan at 106.47, making them nearly tied for first place. Singapore ranks third with 105.89, and Hong Kong follows in fourth place with 105.37. China secures the fifth position at 104.1. South Korea ranks sixth with 102.35. Belarus, the highest-ranking European country, is seventh at 101.6. Finland, recognized for its progressive education model, is eighth with 101.2. Liechtenstein, a small but prosperous nation, ranks ninth at 101.07. Germany rounds out the top ten with 100.74.

Country	IQ
Japan	106.48
Taiwan	106.47
Singapore	105.89
Hong Kong	105.37
China	104.1
South Korea	102.35
Belarus	101.6
Finland	101.2
Liechtenstein	101.07
Germany	100.74

Countries with Lowest IQ

Nepal has the lowest average IQ at 42.99, placing it at the bottom of the ranking. Liberia and Sierra Leone are tied at 45.07, reflecting the educational and economic challenges these West African nations face. Guatemala ranks fourth with 47.72, the lowest in Central America. Cape Verde and Gambia share a score of 52.50, highlighting similar socio-economic struggles. Nicaragua follows closely at 52.68, closely followed by Guinea that ranks eighth with 52.69. Ivory Coast takes the ninth spot with 53.48. Finally, Ghana, with an IQ of 58.16, ranks tenth on the list.

For more information, check our content on Dumbest Countries.

Top 10 Countries with the Lowest IQ

Country	IQ
Nepal	42.99
Liberia	45.07
Sierra Leone	45.07
Guatemala	47.72
Cape Verde	52.50
Gambia	52.50
Nicaragua	52.68
Guinea	52.69
Ivory Coast	53.48
Ghana	58.16

By Region

Afghanistan

See Less

Average IQ by Country

Table of Contents

Average IQ in the World

What is The Intelligence of Nations?

Average IQ by Country

Countries with the Highest IQ

What country has the highest IQ?

Top 10 Countries with the Highest IQ

Countries with Lowest IQ

Top 10 Countries with the Lowest IQ

By Region

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Andorra

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

China

Colombia

Comoros

Cook Islands

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

DR Congo

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Eritrea

Estonia

Eswatini

Ethiopia

Fiji

Finland

France

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Greenland