Intelligence plays a pivotal role in shaping individual and national success. From education to innovation, cognitive abilities drive growth and progress. While we often compare our intelligence with others, have you ever wondered how entire countries stack up? National IQ levels provide a compelling glimpse into which countries lead the world in cognitive potential.
IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure of cognitive capacity derived from standardized tests that assess memory, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and language skills. While the global average IQ is set at 100, nations scoring above this benchmark often demonstrate exceptional proficiency in critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation. A higher national IQ is frequently associated with superior educational systems, dynamic economies, and a culture that prioritizes research and development.
Countries that rank high in average IQ scores typically invest heavily in education, research, and technology. These investments create environments that nurture intellectual growth and enable their populations to excel in a wide range of fields. For instance, Japan leads with an average IQ score of 106.5, reflecting its strong emphasis on quality education, scientific research, and forward-thinking social policies.
IQ is not solely a measure of individual capability; it is also influenced by external factors such as access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition. Nations like Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong also rank highly, benefiting from policies that focus on early childhood education, continuous learning, and technological advancements. In contrast, countries facing socioeconomic challenges may struggle to reach higher IQ averages due to limited resources and opportunities.
While some nations excel, others face obstacles that affect their average IQ scores. For example, Nepal records an average IQ of 42.99, a figure that reflects not just cognitive capabilities but also barriers such as restricted access to quality education and healthcare. These disparities provide insight into broader national development issues, highlighting the importance of addressing fundamental needs to boost cognitive growth.
Interestingly, perceptions of intelligence often differ from reality. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 65% of Americans believe they are smarter than the average person. Yet, objective measures like national IQ rankings can challenge these beliefs and offer a more accurate reflection of cognitive potential on a global scale.
Explore the updated rankings of the world's smartest nations, showcasing average IQ scores for 2024. Compare this with last year's rankings here.
See how higher-ranking countries correlate with educational systems and economic factors.
Curious about the IQs of famous personalities? Check out our Celebrity IQs page.
Worldwide IQ Ranking | Country | Average IQ |
---|---|---|
1 | Japan Learn more... | 106.48 |
2 | Taiwan Learn more... | 106.47 |
3 | Singapore Learn more... | 105.89 |
4 | Hong Kong Learn more... | 105.37 |
5 | China Learn more... | 104.10 |
6 | South Korea Learn more... | 102.35 |
7 | Belarus Learn more... | 101.60 |
8 | Finland Learn more... | 101.20 |
9 | Liechtenstein Learn more... | 101.07 |
10 | Germany Learn more... | 100.74 |
10 | Netherlands Learn more... | 100.74 |
10 | Estonia Learn more... | 100.72 |
13 | Luxembourg Learn more... | 99.87 |
14 | Macau Learn more... | 99.82 |
14 | Cambodia Learn more... | 99.75 |
16 | Canada Learn more... | 99.52 |
17 | Australia Learn more... | 99.24 |
17 | Hungary Learn more... | 99.24 |
17 | Switzerland Learn more... | 99.24 |
20 | United Kingdom Learn more... | 99.12 |
21 | Greenland Learn more... | 98.89 |
22 | North Korea Learn more... | 98.82 |
23 | Slovenia Learn more... | 98.60 |
23 | New Zealand Learn more... | 98.57 |
25 | Austria Learn more... | 98.38 |
26 | Iceland Learn more... | 98.26 |
27 | Denmark Learn more... | 97.83 |
28 | Belgium Learn more... | 97.49 |
29 | USA Learn more... | 97.43 |
30 | Norway Learn more... | 97.13 |
31 | Sweden Learn more... | 97.00 |
32 | France Learn more... | 96.69 |
33 | Poland Learn more... | 96.35 |
34 | Slovakia Learn more... | 96.32 |
35 | Russia Learn more... | 96.29 |
36 | Lithuania Learn more... | 95.89 |
37 | Croatia Learn more... | 95.75 |
38 | Andorra Learn more... | 95.20 |
39 | Ireland Learn more... | 95.13 |
40 | Czech Republic Learn more... | 94.92 |
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