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Top Countries with the Highest Average IQ in 2025
1. China Now Leads the World with an Average IQ of 107.19
China continues to hold its position as the country with the highest average IQ in 2025. The nation’s widespread educational initiatives and technological advancements have played a significant role in fostering cognitive development across its population. With a score of 107.19, China edges out South Korea and Japan, maintaining its dominance in global intelligence rankings.
2. South Korea and Japan Maintain Their Places in the Top Three
South Korea remains in second place with an average IQ of 106.43. Its focus on innovation, education reform, and technology-driven growth has consistently supported high cognitive scores among its citizens. Japan rounds out the top three, with an average IQ of 106.4, emphasizing its long-standing dedication to education and technological excellence.
3. Iran’s Unexpected Rise Up the Ranks
Iran has made remarkable progress, reaching an average IQ of 106.3, placing it fifth on the global list. Increased investments in education and a focus on STEM disciplines have contributed to this upward trend, reflecting the country’s commitment to intellectual development.
4. Singapore Continues Its Excellence in Education
Singapore, with an average IQ of 105.14, remains a leader in education standards. Its rigorous school system, emphasis on innovation, and government policies geared toward nurturing talent have helped it stay ahead among other Southeast Asian nations.

Image: A symbolic representation of intelligence and global connectivity.
5. Russia and Mongolia Strengthen Their Positions
Russia’s average IQ is 103.16, highlighting its focus on technology, science, and research. Mongolia, at 102.86, continues to excel in fostering educational opportunities and improving literacy rates.
6. Armenia and Australia Round Out the Top Ten
Armenia’s score of 102.58 underscores its recent investments in education reform. Australia maintains its high standards with an average IQ of 102.57, driven by a strong tertiary education sector and innovative research environment.
7. Western Europe and North America: A Mix of High and Moderate Scores
Spain is currently ranked 10th with an average IQ of 102.3, showcasing its long-standing educational history. New Zealand (102.08) and Sri Lanka (102.02) are also notable inclusions, reflecting ongoing development in diverse regions.
The United States, with an average IQ of 99.74, maintains its global status but shows a slight decline compared to previous years, prompting discussions about educational disparities and future reforms.
8. European Countries Show Consistent Performance
Countries like Slovenia, Canada, Thailand, and Belarus hover around the 101-102 range, indicating steady educational standards. Smaller nations such as Luxembourg, Iceland, and Slovakia near the 100 mark, emphasizing a balanced global IQ landscape.
9. Middle Eastern Countries Show Progress
Lebanon (99.39), Iran, and Turkey are gaining ground, investing heavily in education and technology sectors. UAE and Azerbaijan also demonstrate strong potential with scores close to 97-98.
10. South Asia and Southeast Asia’s Rising Scores
India (99.08) and its neighboring countries like Israel and Turkey are gradually improving. Bangladesh’s score at 96.46, along with the Philippines and Nepal, reflect ongoing efforts to elevate educational standards. Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam (100.12) and Malaysia (100.48) continue their upward trajectory.
11. Latin America Countries in the Mix
Mexico (95.5), Colombia (93.2), and Costa Rica (94.2) show a range of scores, indicating disparities but also growth in educational attainment. Argentina and Chile hold scores around 94, emphasizing regional developmental trends.
12. African Countries on the Rise
South Africa (94.1), Ethiopia (95.1), and Egypt (97.21) are actively working to improve literacy and STEM education. Morocco and other North African nations are also progressing, though they still lag behind North America and Europe.
13. The Global Perspective
The 2025 global IQ rankings, based on over 1.3 million assessments, highlight both the achievements and ongoing challenges in worldwide education. Countries with high scores tend to invest heavily in research, technology, and educational reforms, which seem to directly correlate with higher average IQs. Conversely, nations with lower scores face issues like educational access, socio-economic barriers, and infrastructural limitations.
14. Future Outlook
Experts suggest that focusing on quality education, technological integration, and inclusive policies will continue to influence these rankings. The global landscape of intelligence is evolving, with emerging economies gaining ground through strategic reforms.
Summary
In 2025, China solidifies its position as the most intelligent nation, while other East Asian countries like South Korea and Japan maintain their high standards. Significant progress from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian nations indicates a shifting global intelligence hierarchy, emphasizing the importance of education and technological advancement for sustained growth.
Source: International IQ Test, January 2025



