Average IQ by Country 2025 – Global Rankings

What is the Average IQ by Country in 2025? This question continues to fascinate researchers, educators, and policymakers alike. In this data-driven article, we explore the global IQ rankings for 2025, revealing how nations compare in terms of average intelligence scores. Whether you’re curious about your own country’s standing or looking for patterns in global education and cognitive development, this comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into the IQ landscape by nation and continent.

The average IQ scores by country presented here are compiled using data from a variety of reputable international sources and psychometric research institutions. IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is typically measured through standardized tests that assess reasoning, logic, problem-solving, and verbal skills. However, these scores do not account for creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical knowledge, and cultural or educational biases in testing can skew results.

It’s also important to note that IQ is not a fixed number—it can change over time due to improved education, health, nutrition, and access to information. In some countries, limited testing availability or inconsistent methodologies may affect rankings. Thus, this list should be viewed as a broad global comparison, not an absolute judgment of national intelligence.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Average IQ in 2025

• China: 107.19
• South Korea: 106.43
• Japan: 106.4
• Iran: 106.3
• Singapore: 105.14
• Russia: 103.16
• Mongolia: 102.86
• Armenia: 102.58
• Australia: 102.57
• Spain: 102.3

East Asia dominates the top of the list, with China, South Korea, and Japan all scoring above 106, highlighting the region’s strong educational systems, disciplined academic culture, and investment in STEM education. Singapore, often recognized for its rigorous curriculum and tech-savvy population, also ranks high at 105.14.

Iran’s presence at #4 may surprise some readers, but it reflects improvements in educational access and a deep cultural emphasis on science and math. Russia continues to perform strongly, showing the lasting legacy of Soviet-era education and intellectual traditions.

Mongolia, Armenia, and Australia round out the top 10 with impressive scores above 102, while Spain edges into the list, possibly due to improved schooling systems and cognitive development initiatives.

Average IQ by Country (Full Table)

Key Insights

• Western Europe generally clusters around the 99–101 range, with countries like France (101.42), Italy (100.84), and Switzerland (100.75) maintaining consistent performances. However, no Western European country enters the top 10.
• North America shows modest scores, with the United States (99.74) and Canada (101.65). Despite its technological leadership, the U.S. lags behind East Asian and several European nations, possibly reflecting educational inequality.
• India has a moderate average IQ of 99.08, close to global averages, which may improve over time as access to education and nutrition increases.
• Several Southeast Asian countries—like Thailand (101.52), Vietnam (100.12), and Malaysia (100.48)—perform impressively, reflecting rapid educational development.
• Middle Eastern countries show varied scores: Iran (106.3) ranks very high, while others like Saudi Arabia (93.95) and Iraq (93.99) rank lower, likely due to conflict, economic disparity, and unequal educational access.
• African nations tend to rank on the lower end of the scale, with countries like Gabon (85.1), Angola (85.3), and Mozambique (87.81), which can be attributed to historical disadvantages, lower literacy rates, and limited access to quality schooling.
• Latin American countries such as Argentina (94.39), Brazil (92.92), and Mexico (95.51) score in the low to mid-90s, reflecting ongoing educational challenges in the region.

How Do IQ Scores Vary Across Continents?

While IQ scores are influenced by both genetics and environment, the most notable differences across continents seem to reflect disparities in education, healthcare, nutrition, and socio-economic development. Asia, especially East Asia, leads the world, while Europe follows closely behind. Africa and South America continue to face challenges but show signs of gradual improvement in countries where education reforms are underway.

As we analyze the IQ rankings by country in 2025, it’s crucial to remember that intelligence is multifaceted. A nation’s average IQ doesn’t capture individual potential, nor does it account for creativity, adaptability, and emotional depth. Still, these scores serve as an important indicator of global cognitive trends, reflecting investments in education and development.

Countries with strong educational systems, low inequality, and high human development indexes tend to score higher. Meanwhile, nations struggling with conflict, poverty, or inadequate schooling tend to score lower—but with the right interventions, their scores can rise in the future.

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Source

• Average IQ by country (2025 update)