Top Countries with the Highest Average IQs in 2023

Select Language:

Top Countries with the Highest Average IQ in 2025

China Leads the Global IQ Rankings

China continues to top the global IQ list in 2025, boasting an average IQ score of 107.2. The country’s sustained focus on education, technological innovation, and economic development has contributed to its lead. With over a billion residents, China’s score reflects significant advancements in cognitive performance across its population.

South Korea and Japan Maintain Their High Standing

South Korea and Japan are closely trailing China, both recording an average IQ of 106.4. These nations have consistently ranked among the world’s smartest countries, thanks to their emphasis on education systems and technological integration. South Korea’s focus on innovation and Japan’s reputation for academic excellence further reinforce their positions.

Iran and Singapore Hold Stronger Positions in Asia

Iran ranks fifth with a score of 106.3, showing the country’s increasing investment in education and scientific research. Singapore, known for its rigorous education system, maintains its sixth-place spot with an average IQ of 105.1, reflecting its continued commitment to excellence in academics and technology.

Russia and Mongolia Remain Competitive

Russia holds the seventh position with an average IQ of 103.2, while Mongolia is close behind at 102.9. These countries’ educational reforms and focus on technological skills have played crucial roles in boosting cognitive scores.

Western Countries Show Variations

Notably, Canada (101.7) and Australia (102.6) rank within the upper tier, with Western European countries like Spain (102.3), France (101.4), and Italy (100.8) also displaying strong cognitive scores. The United States ranks at 99.7, reflecting a slight decline from previous years, though it remains a significant player on the global stage.

Europe’s Notable Performers

Slovenia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka all score around or above 102. This indicates that countries with well-established education systems and high living standards continue to produce higher average IQs. Iceland and Slovakia also stand out with scores near 100.

Middle East and North Africa Show Slight Variations

Lebanon (99.4) and Turkey (99.1) are among the top performers in their regions, but scores slightly lag behind Asian and European countries. Middle Eastern countries are making strides by investing in education infrastructure, which could boost scores in upcoming years.

South and Central America Lags Slightly Behind

Countries like Mexico (95.5) and Colombia (93.2) are in the lower half of the list, signaling different levels of access to quality education. Nonetheless, countries like Uruguay (95.0) show potential for improvement in future assessments.

Africa and Asia Show Diverse Results

Ethiopia (95.1) and Yemen (93.0) are among the countries with lower average IQs. However, nations like India (99.1), the Philippines (96.7), and Indonesia (93.2) demonstrate growth potential, especially as digital infrastructure and education access expand.

Notable Trends & Insights

Asian countries dominate the upper ranks, attributed to focused educational policies and cultural emphasis on learning.
Western countries show slight declines, possibly due to shifting demographics and varying investment in education.
Emerging economies continue to develop their educational systems, hinting at potential improvements in cognitive metrics.

The Big Picture

The 2025 IQ rankings reveal ongoing global disparities but also highlight progress in several regions. Countries investing heavily in education, technology, and innovation tend to have higher average IQ scores. These insights are essential for policymakers aiming to understand and improve cognitive development across different nations.

Source: International IQ Test, 2025 — Based on responses from over 1.39 million individuals worldwide.

Note: These rankings are based on standardized IQ assessments conducted through a universal online platform, aiming to provide a comprehensive snapshot of cognitive performance globally in 2025.