Top 20 Countries with the Highest Average IQ Scores in 2026
South Korea Leads with an Impressive Average IQ of 106.97
South Korea maintains its dominant position as the country with the highest average IQ in 2026, reflecting strong educational systems and high standards of academic achievement nationwide. Experts suggest that Korea’s focus on rigorous schooling, early childhood education, and technological integration contribute significantly to these high intelligence scores. The continuous investment in education and innovation has solidified Korea’s position at the top of this year’s intelligence rankings.
China Ranks Second with an Average IQ of 106.48
China continues to demonstrate its intellectual prowess with an average IQ of 106.48. The country’s massive investments in education, research, and development, coupled with a culture that highly values academic success, have helped elevate its position. Urban centers like Beijing and Shanghai especially exhibit high cognitive scores, driven by advanced educational infrastructure.
Japan Holds the Third Spot with an Average IQ of 106.3
Japan remains in the top tier, leveraging a strong education system that emphasizes discipline, perseverance, and innovation. Japanese students consistently perform well in international assessments, and with a focus on science and technology, the nation’s IQ scores reflect its ongoing commitment to intellectual excellence.
Iran Shows Notable Progress with an Average IQ of 104.8
Iran’s continued focus on improving education, particularly in STEM fields, has resulted in a significant climb in its IQ ranking. While historical factors and regional challenges have historically impacted overall scores, recent reforms and increased access to quality education have contributed to Iran’s rising average.
Australia Ranks Fifth with an Average IQ of 104.45
Australia’s high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and investment in research have kept it among the top IQ nations. The country fosters a society that encourages critical thinking and innovation, which is reflected in its high average scores.
Russia’s Intelligence Continues to Shine with an Average IQ of 103.78
Russia maintains a strong intellectual reputation, bolstered by a rich history of scientific achievement and a focus on higher education. The nation invests heavily in research institutions, which helps sustain its competitive IQ scores.
Singapore: A Small Nation with Massive Academic Achievements at 103.56
Despite its small size, Singapore’s emphasis on quality education, disciplined learning approaches, and rigorous academic standards position it firmly in the top ten. The city-state consistently ranks high in global education assessments, mirrored here in IQ metrics.
Mongolia Makes a Significant Leap to 102.61
Mongolia’s recent reforms in education and increased access to learning materials have paid dividends, boosting the nation’s average IQ scores. As the government continues to prioritize education, this upward trend is expected to persist.
New Zealand and Vietnam Close the Top Ten, with Means of 102.35 and 102.26 Respectively
Both countries exemplify the importance of accessible, quality education systems. New Zealand’s comprehensive approach and Vietnam’s rapid educational reforms highlight diverse paths toward intellectual development.
European and North American Countries: Steady Gains and Strong Education Foundations
Spain (102.24), Cyprus (102.12), Canada (102.09), the United Kingdom (101.57), and the United States (101.04) all hold their positions with solid educational frameworks. The data suggests that while these countries are slightly behind some Asian nations, their emphasis on innovation, research, and higher education sustains high IQ averages.
Emerging and Developing Countries Show Progress
Sri Lanka (101.22) and Slovenia (101.15) are notable examples of nations making strides in educational quality and access, which is reflected in their rising intelligence scores. Belarus (101.05) and Albania (101) also demonstrate resilience through reforms aimed at strengthening educational systems.
Small but Significant: Switzerland Ranks at 100.84
Switzerland continues to be recognized for its high-quality universities and innovative economy, which help maintain a strong average IQ despite its smaller population.
The United States Maintains a Competitive Position at 101.04
While not atop the rankings, the United States remains a global leader in technological innovation and scientific research, with its diverse educational landscape contributing to its solid average.
This intelligence ranking is based on data from over 1.2 million individuals worldwide who participated in the International IQ Test in 2026.
Source: International IQ Test, 2026
The evolving landscape of global education and societal development continues to shape these scores, emphasizing the importance of investing in learning and cognitive development worldwide.