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Countries with the Highest IQ: Updated in 2024, July

Intelligence is a tricky subject, but by looking at IQ scores around the world, we get a fascinating peek into how intelligence might differ from place to place. IQ tests try to measure how clever we are, tackling everything from patterns to problem-solving.

In this article, we’re going to take a glance at which countries top the IQ charts and why that might be. It’s a hot topic, full of debate, but let’s explore the data and uncover some possible reasons behind the numbers. Let’s delve right in.


Ranking
#

IQ

10 Countries with the Highest IQ

Here are the 10 countries with the highest IQ scores around the globe according to the index results of 2023.

Berlin, Germany

Germany

#10 in Countries with Highest IQ

Germany ranks as the 10th country with the highest IQ in the world, with an average IQ of 100.74. This might mean that Germans, on average, perform well on tasks that require logical reasoning, abstract thinking, and problem-solving skills.

CONTINENT
Europe
POPULATION
83,294,633

It’s not just intelligence that sets Germany apart, though. The country has a strong focus on education, with a literacy rate of 99%. As a result of their long-standing tradition of prioritizing education, Germans are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of careers and contribute to the country’s continued economic success.

Castle Vaduz, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

flag of Liechtenstein Liechtenstein

#9 in Countries with Highest IQ
Liechtenstein ranks as the 9th country with the highest IQ in the world, with an average IQ of 101.07. This means that Liechtensteiners excel at tasks that require logical reasoning, critical thinking, and creativity.
CONTINENT
Europe
POPULATION
39,584

Education is a top priority in Liechtenstein, reflected in its impressive 100% literacy rate. Despite its small size, Liechtenstein punches above its weight in many areas, including banking, tourism, and art. So don’t let its small size fool you – Liechtenstein is a country to watch in terms of ability and achievement.

flag of Finland Finland

#8 in Countries with Highest IQ
Finland ranks as the 8th country with the highest IQ in the world, with an average IQ of 101.2. Finns, in general, are known to excel in problem-solving skills.
CONTINENT
Europe
POPULATION
5,545,475

Education, also in Finland, is of high importance. This reflects in the country’s impressive 100% literacy rate. Finland’s education system is one of the best in the world: it focuses on child-centered learning and teacher training leading to excellent academic outcomes. The Finnish education system also prioritizes equity and access, ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education. We may argue its strong educational system makes Finland a leader in innovation, culture, and intellectual achievement. 

Zamkavaja vulica 5, Niaśviž, Belarus

Belarus

#7 in Countries with Highest IQ

Belarus has an average IQ of 101.6, it ranks as the 7th country with the highest IQ in the world. Belarusians, on average, possess strong analytical skills and the ability to think critically.

CONTINENT
Europe
POPULATION
9,498,238

Belarus also boasts a high literacy rate of 99.72%, which can be seen as a testament to its solid education system. The country also has a long history of scientific achievement. Belarusian scientists have made significant contributions to fields such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. 

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

flag of South Korea South Korea

#6 in Countries with Highest IQ

With an average IQ of 102.35, South Korea has ranked as the 6th country with the highest IQ in the world. The IQ score is a testament to the country's emphasis on education and intellectual development.

CONTINENT
Asia
POPULATION
51,784,059

South Korea’s education system is highly competitive, with students facing immense pressure to excel academically. This has led to a culture of hard work and determination. The literacy rate stands at 97.97%, which is still lower than some of the other countries on the list. Nevertheless, the country’s commitment to education and innovation continues to push the boundaries of intellectual achievement.

flag of China flag of ChinaPeople's Republic of China

#5 in Countries with Highest IQ

With an average IQ of 104.1, China ranks as the 5th country with the highest IQ in the world. This impressive IQ score is a reflection of the country's emphasis on education and intellectual development.

CONTINENT
Asia
POPULATION
1,425,671,352

China’s literacy rate stands at 96.36%, indicating that there is still room for improvement in its education system. The system, however, is highly competitive, with students facing intense pressure to perform academically, which has led to a culture of diligence, persistence, and academic excellence. 

Hong Kong

#4 in Countries with Highest IQ

With an average IQ of 105.37, Hong Kong ranks as the 4th country with the highest IQ in the world.

CONTINENT
Asia
POPULATION
7,491,609

Despite its impressive IQ score, Hong Kong’s literacy rate stands at 93.5%, which is lower than some of the other high-IQ countries on this list. However, Hong Kong’s unique blend of East and West, as well as its reputation as a global financial center, make it a hub of intellectual capital.

flag of Singapore Singapore

#3 in Countries with Highest IQ

Singapore, the "Lion City," holds third place on the list of countries with the highest average IQ, with an impressive score of 105.89.

CONTINENT
Asia
POPULATION
6,014,723

This tiny city-state has been making waves with its impressive academic achievements and consistent top ranking in global education indexes. With a literacy rate of 96.77%, Singapore has a well-educated populace that values the pursuit of knowledge.

Taipei City, Taiwan

Taiwan

#2 in Countries with Highest IQ

Taiwan is a powerhouse in terms of brainpower, ranking as the 2nd country with the highest IQ in the world. The average IQ in Taiwan is an impressive 106.47.

CONTINENT
Asia
POPULATION
23,923,276

The literacy rate is a remarkable 96.1%. Taiwan is known for its technological  advancements and innovation, with a thriving tech industry that has propelled the country forward. It’s no wonder there’s a direct correlation between intellect and their technological success.

Tokyo, Japan

flag of Japan Japan

#1 in Countries with Highest IQ

With an impressive average IQ of 106.48 and a literacy rate of 99%, Japan, the land of the rising sun, ranks number 1 for countries with the highest IQ in the world.

CONTINENT
Asia
POPULATION
123,294,513

Japan is a pioneer in many fields, so it’s no surprise that the country has become a global leader in fields such as technology, engineering, and medicine.

While the Japanese education system is often cited as a key factor in the country’s high IQ and literacy rate, there are also other cultural and societal factors at play. The emphasis on hard work, discipline, and attention to detail that is ingrained in Japanese culture from a young age may also contribute to the country’s intellectual success.

 

10 Lowest IQ Countries

Rank

Country

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

1

Nepal

42.99

64.66%

2

Sierra Leone

45.07

48.43%

3

Liberia

45.07

47.6%

4

Guatemala

47.72

79.07%

5

The Gambia

52.68

 

6

Nicaragua

52.69

82.47%

7

Guinea

53.48

30.47%

8

Ivory Coast

58.16

43.27%

9

Ghana

58.16

76.58%

10

South Sudan

58.61

31.98%

Countries with the Highest IQ: The Bottom Line 

The IQ averages by country can provide insights into the factors contributing to intelligence and educational outcomes. However, it’s important to note that IQ tests do not measure all aspects of intelligence and should not be used to make big generalizations about individuals or populations. It’s also crucial to consider the limitations and biases inherent in IQ testing and the potential for cultural and socio-economic factors to impact IQ scores. 

Nonetheless, analyzing IQ averages can help identify areas where educational systems and policies can be improved and provide motivation for individuals and societies to continue to invest in education and cognitive development. 

At the end of the day, though, intelligence is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and while IQ scores can be informative, they do not define a person’s worth or potential. It’s essential to approach the topic with nuance and an appreciation for the many factors that contribute to intellectual abilities.

Related Articles

50 Highest IQ Countries

Rank

Country

IQ 

1

Japan

106.48

2

Taiwan

106.47

3

Singapore

105.89

4

Hong Kong

105.37

5

China

104.1

6

South Korea

102.35

7

Belarus

101.6

8

Finland

101.2

9

Liechtenstein

101.07

10

Germany

100.74

11

Netherlands

100.74

12

Estonia

100.72

13

Luxembourg

99.87

14

Macau

99.82

15

Cambodia

99.75

16

Canada

99.52

17

Australia

99.24

18

Hungary

99.24

19

Switzerland

99.24

20

United Kingdom

99.12

21

Greenland

98.89

22

North Korea

98.82

23

Slovenia

98.6

24

New Zealand

98.57

25

Austria

98.38

26

Iceland

98.26

27

Denmark

97.83

28

Belgium

97.49

29

United States

97.43

30

Norway

97.13

31

Sweden

97

32

France

96.69

33

Poland

96.35

34

Slovakia

96.32

35

Russia

96.29

36

Lithuania

95.89

37

Croatia

95.75

38

Andorra

95.2

39

Ireland

95.13

40

Czech Republic

94.92

41

Latvia

94.79

42

Italy

94.23

43

Vanuatu

93.92

44

New Caledonia

93.92

45

Spain

93.9

46

Bermuda

93.48

47

Cyprus

93.39

48

Portugal

92.77

49

Israel

92.43

50

Barbados

91.6

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