The 50 Countries with the Highest Average IQ Scores
Intelligence is a complex topic that has been studied extensively by psychologists and other researchers. One way that intelligence is quantitatively measured is through IQ (intelligence quotient) tests and scores. Though not without flaws and controversies, IQ tests remain one of the most widely used means of assessing cognitive abilities.
Countries around the world can be compared and ranked based on their average national IQ scores. In this blog, we will examine the 50 countries with the highest IQ scores globally.
Country Rankings with the Highest Average IQ Scores
Several factors influence national IQ averages, including access to education, healthcare, and economic development. Developed countries with advanced education systems tend to score higher on IQ tests than less developed nations. The following are the top 50 countries ranked by average national IQ:
- Singapore (108)
- Hong Kong (108)
- South Korea (106)
- Japan (105)
- China (105)
- Taiwan (104)
- Italy (102)
- Iceland (101)
- Mongolia (101)
- Switzerland (101)
- Austria (100)
- Luxembourg (100)
- Netherlands (100)
- Norway (100)
- United Kingdom (100)
- Belgium (99)
- Canada (99)
- Czech Republic (99)
- Denmark (99)
- France (99)
- Germany (99)
- Poland (99)
- Spain (99)
- Sweden (99)
- Australia (98)
- Finland (98)
- New Zealand (98)
- United States (98)
- Hungary (97)
- Latvia (97)
- Slovakia (96)
- Belarus (95)
- Estonia (95)
- Kazakhstan (95)
- Malta (95)
- Slovenia (95)
- Ukraine (95)
- Andorra (94)
- Lithuania (94)
- Moldova (94)
- Russia (94)
- Vietnam (94)
- Argentina (93)
- Romania (93)
- Thailand (93)
- Malaysia (92)
- Bulgaria (91)
- Greece (91)
- Portugal (91)
- Uruguay (91)
Analysis
Several observations can be made from these IQ score rankings. Firstly, East Asian and European countries dominate the top spots, holding 12 of the top 15 positions. In general, developed regions perform very well.
Secondly, certain small but prosperous European countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg rank unexpectedly high. Thirdly, the United States holds the 28th spot, behind several Western European nations. Finally, countries in South America and Southeast Asia tend to score lower but still make the top 50.
Conclusion
National IQ averages provide one method of comparing cognitive abilities across countries. However, many experts argue these scores alone fail to capture overall human potential and development. Both genetic and environmental influences determine intelligence levels globally. Nonetheless, the countries with the highest IQ scores enjoy advanced economies and education systems.
While far from a perfect measurement, global IQ rankings shed light on the link between cognitive abilities and socioeconomic advancement across the world. Check out here more interesting lists and data about countries.