Top 100 Countries by Average IQ in 2026

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Top Countries with the Highest Average IQs in 2025: A Look at Global Intelligence

1. South Korea: Leading the Way with an Average IQ of 107
South Korea maintains its position at the top of the global IQ rankings with an impressive average score of 106.97 in 2025. The country’s robust education system, emphasis on innovation, and technological advancement contribute significantly to this high average. South Korea continues to prioritize STEM education, which plays a crucial role in nurturing intelligence and problem-solving skills among its population.

2. China and Japan: Neighboring Giants with Strong Intelligence Scores
China ranks second with an average IQ of 106.48, showcasing the nation’s rapid economic development and focus on education reform. Japan closely follows at 106.3, with its strong emphasis on academic excellence and research development. Both countries have made consistent improvements in their educational infrastructures, reflecting their commitment to fostering intelligence at the national level.

3. Iran and the Pacific Sharp Rise with Australia
Iran holds a respectable spot with an average IQ of 104.8, driven by its expanding higher education sector and technological investments. Meanwhile, Australia’s average IQ stands at 104.45, bolstered by widespread access to quality education, research institutions, and innovation hubs. This suggests a strong link between educational resources and national IQ averages.

4. Russia, Singapore, and Mongolia: Diverse Paths to High IQ
Russia’s average IQ of 103.78 is attributed to a strong tradition in education and science. Singapore at 103.56 benefits from a rigorous, highly competitive schooling system and substantial investment in technology. Mongolia’s score of 102.61 reflects increasing literacy rates and government policies encouraging scientific pursuits, indicating that diverse cultural approaches support high cognitive performance.

5. New Zealand and Vietnam: Rising Standards in Education
New Zealand’s score of 102.35 highlights the country’s emphasis on critical thinking and innovative learning methods. Vietnam, with a score of 102.26, has seen remarkable improvements through national efforts in STEM education and literacy programs. Their rising IQ scores seem linked to targeted policies aimed at educational excellence.

6. Spain and Cyprus: European Leaders in Cognitive Development
Spain, with an average IQ of 102.24, continues to advance in education quality and access. Cyprus closely follows at 102.12, benefiting from EU educational standards and investments. These rankings underscore how European countries prioritize comprehensive educational policies that foster higher cognitive abilities.

7. Canada and the United Kingdom: Western Powers with Consistent Scores
Canada’s average of 102.09 and the UK’s 101.57 reflect robust educational systems, widespread literacy, and a focus on research and innovation. Their scores demonstrate the importance of sustained investment in knowledge-based economies.

8. South Asian Countries Making Progress
Sri Lanka and Slovenia, with averages of 101.22 and 101.15 respectively, show South Asia’s rising educational standards. Their efforts in expanding access to quality education are paying off, moving these nations higher on the intelligence index.

9. Belarus and the United States: Middle Contenders with Steady Growth
Belarus (101.05) and the U.S. (101.04) exemplify developed nations with stable educational structures and research facilities. The slight uptick in these countries’ averages signals consistent efforts to enhance intellectual development through innovation and academic reform.

10. Diverse Nations Bridging the Gap with High IQ Averages
From Albania (101) to Switzerland (100.84), diverse countries are showcasing that high IQ scores are becoming more widespread, influenced by globalization, improved education infrastructure, and policy reforms emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines.

Challenging the Norm: Countries with Lower Average IQs
Beyond the top-ranking nations, the survey highlights countries such as Yemen (93.43), Iraq (93.62), and South Africa (93.63), revealing disparities in access to quality education, resources, and healthcare that impact cognitive development on a global scale.

Overall Trends in 2025
The global IQ landscape shows a steady improvement influenced by advancements in education, healthcare, and socio-economic factors. Countries investing heavily in education infrastructure and technology tend to achieve higher averages. Developed nations continue to lead, but emerging economies show promising upward trajectories.

Understanding the Data
This ranking is based on over 1.2 million test participants worldwide and reflects a snapshot of the current state of cognitive abilities distribution across nations. Such data underscores the importance of educational policies and socio-economic development in shaping national intelligence levels.

Note: The current year’s figures reveal a world that values knowledge, innovation, and education, with countries striving to elevate their intellectual standing on the global stage.

Source: International IQ Test, 2025.