Global IQ Rankings – Prosperity, Climate, and Education

model of a human brain placed on top of an open book with text

Share Post:

Global IQ Rankings is a topic across different nationalities or populations can be a sensitive and complex issue.

Intelligence is shaped by a range of factors, including national, political, and geographic influences. Interestingly, scientific studies have indicated that warmer climates may have a negative impact on average IQ levels.

For example, the United States, with an average IQ of 97, ranks 31st globally.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leads the rankings with an average IQ of 106, while Nepal ranks at the bottom with an average IQ of 51.

Beyond simple rankings, the relationship between intelligence, prosperity, and climate is explored in greater detail through the following table.

Worldwide Intelligence Rankings

Rank Country/Region IQ Ø Income ($) Education Expenditure ($/inhabitant) Ø Daily Max Temp (°C)
1 Hong Kong * 106 35,304 1,283 26.2
2 Japan 106 40,964 1,340 19.3
3 Singapore 106 41,095 1,427 31.5
4 Taiwan * 106 19,812 26.9
5 China 104 4,654 190 18.5
6 South Korea 103 22,804 1,024 18.4
7 Netherlands 101 45,337 2,386 14.6
8 Finland 101 42,706 2,725 8.0
9 Canada 100 40,205 2,052 7.5
10 North Korea 100 15.3
11 Luxembourg 100 71,380 3,791 14.1
12 Macao * 100 44,061 1,448 26.0
13 Germany 100 39,920 1,883 14.1
14 Switzerland 100 70,399 3,556 15.5
15 Estonia 100 13,774 749 10.3
16 Australia 99 42,959 2,362 24.3
17 United Kingdom 99 40,670 2,080 12.9
18 Greenland * 99 24,486 4,518 0.3
19 Iceland 99 47,758 3,814 8.0
20 Austria 99 42,634 2,341 13.8
21 Hungary 99 11,391 585 17.0
22 New Zealand 99 30,133 2,025 17.5
23 Belarus 99 4,661 251 11.9
24 Belgium 98 40,525 2,507 14.8
25 Norway 98 75,130 5,425 9.6
26 Sweden 98 49,535 3,419 10.0
27 Slovenia 98 20,335 1,113 15.5
28 Denmark 98 53,149 4,145 12.5
29 Cambodia 97 776 16 33.2
30 France 97 37,610 2,042 17.2
31 United States 97 49,873 2,611 19.0
32 Poland 96 10,505 545 13.5
33 Czechia 96 15,552 712 13.5
34 Russia 96 8,228 337 8.9
35 Spain 95 26,463 1,176 21.4
36 Ireland 95 43,914 2,500 13.0
37 Italy 95 32,103 1,380 19.0
38 Croatia 95 11,659 508 18.3
39 Latvia 95 11,243 585 11.0
40 Lithuania 95 11,331 550 11.8
41 Israel 93 28,975 1,807 26.7
42 Mongolia 93 2,241 128 8.6
43 Portugal 93 19,253 1,005 21.7
44 Bermuda * 92 108,349 1,748 24.5
45 Bulgaria 91 5,702 224 18.4
46 Greece 91 21,101 782 22.6
47 Moldova 91 2,229 141 16.5
48 Ukraine 91 2,375 143 15.3
49 Vietnam 91 1,446 70 29.5
50 Armenia 90 2,900 77 16.9
51 Kazakhstan 89 6,380 233 13.5
52 Malaysia 89 7,665 443 32.0
53 Myanmar 89 666 14 32.8
54 Thailand 89 4,260 182 33.1
55 Serbia 89 4,876 208 18.5
56 Brunei 88 29,737 1,020 32.1
57 Chile 88 10,195 482 19.0
58 Costa Rica 88 7,480 487 28.8
59 Iraq 88 3,758 193 32.4
60 Romania 88 7,109 249 15.6
61 Uzbekistan 88 1,445 85 21.8
62 Argentina 87 8,795 454 21.5
63 Bosnia and Herzegovina 87 4,118 149 18.8
64 Mexico 87 8,898 438 30.5
65 Turkey 87 8,879 335 21.5
66 Georgia 86 2,921 84 20.6
67 Azerbaijan 85 3,763 121 22.6
68 Sri Lanka 85 2,442 53 27.2
69 Montenegro 85 6,056 20.4
70 Bahamas 84 28,622 744 29.7
71 Cuba 84 5,538 486 30.1
72 North Macedonia 84 4,122 141 18.0
73 Bahrain 83 18,838 547 31.9
74 Brazil 83 7,586 427 30.8
75 Philippines 83 2,330 67 31.9
76 Iran 83 4,545 173 27.0
77 Colombia 83 5,037 231 30.5
78 Laos 83 1,157 32 32.2
79 Venezuela 83 8,025 273 32.4
80 Albania 82 3,513 118 22.9
81 United Arab Emirates 82 38,644 805 34.4
82 Dominican Republic 82 4,964 157 32.0
83 Lebanon 82 6,428 157 23.9
84 Afghanistan 81 473 16 25.5
85 Jordan 81 3,091 114 27.8
86 Pakistan 81 992 25 31.0
87 Peru 81 4,311 150 24.7
88 Indonesia 80 2,355 71 31.6
89 Kuwait 80 37,126 1,996 34.4
90 Oman 80 15,332 787 34.1
91 Qatar 80 58,614 2,331 33.7
92 Palestine 80 2,614 132 27.5
93 Bolivia 79 1,912 153 26.4
94 Ecuador 79 4,162 198 27.9
95 Egypt 78 2,175 92 30.1
96 Algeria 77 3,789 251 27.6
97 India 77 1,164 47 31.5
98 Madagascar 77 420 13 28.7
99 Saudi Arabia 77 17,482 1,265 33.6
100 Sudan 77 1,014 21 36.5
101 Syria 76 4,532 252 25.5
102 Bangladesh 75 936 19 31.0
103 Chad 75 630 16 36.0
104 East Timor 74 2,090 54 30.9
105 Jamaica 74 4,356 251 31.9
106 Kenya 74 939 62 28.8
107 Tanzania 74 702 29 29.1
108 Zimbabwe 74 843 48 28.4
109 Senegal 73 1,135 56 35.6
110 Angola 72 2,396 84 27.6
111 El Salvador 72 2,912 113 27.9
112 Morocco 71 2,567 139 24.4
113 South Africa 69 5,941 336 26.2
114 Somalia 69 514 1 33.3
115 Nigeria 68 1,758 8 33.7
116 Ethiopia 67 379 21 27.7
117 Honduras 67 1,665 114 31.8
118 Yemen 67 916 84 30.3
119 Cameroon 67 1,234 36 31.0
120 Congo (Dem. Republic) 64 316 7 30.3
121 Ghana 61 1,166 72 31.9
122 Ivory Coast 61 1,289 68 32.1
123 Guinea 56 598 15 31.3
124 Equatorial Guinea 56 7,625 29.7
125 Gambia 55 648 14 33.3
126 Guatemala 55 2,830 92 35.0
127 Sierra Leone 52 412 16 30.0
128 Nepal 51 595 22 25.6

* Dependent territories

The highest IQ averages are found in Asian regions such as Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan, where scores reach 106 according to the World Data.

These regions also demonstrate high investments in education and relatively moderate average temperatures.

Countries with higher average incomes and substantial per capita education expenditure, such as Luxembourg and Norway, tend to rank higher in IQ despite variations in climate.

Warmer climates are associated with lower IQ averages, as evidenced by countries like Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria, where daily maximum temperatures exceed 30°C and IQ scores are below 80 as noted in Paw Research Center.

Some high-income countries in extremely hot climates, like Qatar and the UAE, exhibit lower IQ averages, suggesting that wealth alone doesn’t directly correlate to IQ without significant educational investments.

Illustration of a lighthouse highlighting top IQ-ranked countries like Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan, alongside other high-ranking nations
East Asian countries consistently lead global IQ rankings due to robust educational systems and cultural emphasis on learning

Nordic countries like Finland, Iceland, and Denmark allocate significant resources to education per capita, resulting in IQ scores consistently near or above the global average.

Many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia rank at the bottom, with lower income, minimal education expenditure, and extremely high temperatures likely contributing factors.

European nations exhibit mid-to-high IQ scores with a balance of moderate income levels, temperate climates, and steady educational spending as noted by this research.

Some tropical nations like Singapore defy the general trend, leveraging high educational expenditure and economic prosperity to maintain top Global IQ rankings.

Countries with stark income inequality often show below-average IQ scores, indicating that wealth distribution significantly impacts access to quality education.

Lower-ranked countries like Nepal and Sierra Leone face challenges in prosperity and education that may perpetuate lower IQ averages, underscoring the importance of global efforts to address inequality and resource distribution.

Limitations and Misinterpretations of IQ

Close-up of a thoughtful man gazing through a glass window with city reflections
Intelligence is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, making it more complex than a single IQ score

IQ tests are not a holistic measure of intelligence but are mathematical results based on assessments designed by Western Europeans for their specific cultural contexts.

These tests do not consider critical traits like emotional intelligence, creativity, practical skills, ambition, or diligence. Cultural differences in priorities and education systems further challenge the applicability of IQ tests across diverse populations.

East Asian countries often outperform in IQ rankings due to their structured, goal-oriented educational practices, which align with traits valued in IQ tests.

Other cultures that emphasize different values may score lower, reflecting priorities rather than intellectual capacity.

The Rising IQ Trend: Flynn Effect

The Flynn Effect, identified by James R. Flynn in 1984, highlights the consistent rise in IQ scores over time in Western industrialized nations.

Research indicates an annual increase of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 points, with women experiencing a faster rate of improvement compared to men.

However, some nations exhibit a reverse Flynn Effect, where IQ levels decrease over time.

IQ, Income, and Education Spending

Close-up of a man wearing glasses with city lights and data reflections overlaying his face
Countries with higher investment in education often see a correlation with improved cognitive performance and innovation

A correlation between IQ, income levels, and education expenditure is evident from the data. High-income nations typically rank higher in IQ, but exceptions like China, Mongolia, and Eastern European countries show strong performance despite lower income levels.

Interestingly, nations with higher education expenditures often have more intelligent populations, but this correlation is not absolute. Many high-ranking countries, especially in East Asia, invest heavily in education at the family level rather than relying on government spending.

Climate and Intelligence Development

Since 1991, studies have explored the impact of climate on IQ.

Colder climates were initially thought to necessitate greater physical fitness and complex social structures, potentially leading to higher IQs.

Professor Richard Lynn suggested that colder temperatures might influence brain volume, although the connection between brain size and intelligence remains debated.

Hot climates are generally considered a disadvantage for IQ development, attributed to the increased physical energy demands and stress caused by heat as it is noted in Royal Society Publishing.

No Correlation Between IQ and Skin Color

Close-up side profiles of two women with diverse skin tones looking forward
Scientific research confirms there is no correlation between IQ and skin color, reinforcing the importance of equity and diversity

No study has conclusively linked geographic ancestry or skin color to IQ levels.

Variations within populations, such as in Brazil (e.g., Blacks 71, Mulattoes 81, Whites 95, Japanese 99), have been attributed to factors like education, socioeconomic status, and origin rather than racial differences.

In 2006, researchers Donald Templer and Hiroko Arikawa noted a correlation between darker skin pigmentation and lower IQ.

However, this was attributed to climate-related conditions influencing pigmentation rather than skin color itself.

Similar patterns were observed within other population groups, confirming that environmental and educational factors, not pigmentation, drive these differences.

Alternative Approaches to Measuring Intelligence

While IQ is a commonly used metric, it is not the only way to assess intelligence.

Various alternative methods offer broader perspectives on identifying the smartest countries in the world.

These include evaluating academic test scores, analyzing a nation’s ability to “expand the frontier of knowledge” through innovation and data technology, and considering achievements such as the number of Nobel Prizes won.

These diverse measures capture different facets of intellectual capability and contributions beyond standardized IQ assessments.

Top 10 Smartest Countries Based on Students’ Test Scores in Reading, Math, and Science (OECD PISA 2022)

Rank Country Total Score Reading Math Science
1 Singapore 1679 575 561 543
2 China 1605 552 543 510
3 Japan 1599 536 547 516
4 Taiwan 1599 547 537 515
5 South Korea 1570 527 528 515
6 Hong Kong 1560 540 520 500
7 Estonia 1547 510 526 511
8 Canada 1519 497 515 507
9 Ireland 1512 492 504 516
10 Switzerland 1494 508 503 483

Singapore leads significantly with the highest cumulative scores across reading, math, and science, reflecting its strong emphasis on education according to the World Population Review.

East Asian countries (Singapore, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong) dominate the top positions, showcasing their rigorous education systems.

Most top countries exhibit balanced scores across all subjects, although Singapore particularly excels in reading.

Estonia, Ireland, and Switzerland are notable European entries, with Estonia standing out for high scores in math and science.

Canada maintains a solid position with consistent scores across all three disciplines, representing North America.

miniature brain placed in the center of a 3D maze, symbolizing intelligence and problem-solving
According to OECD PISA 2022, the smartest countries excel in reading, math, and science, showcasing the importance of quality education

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Intelligence Capital Index (2017)

Rank Country Intelligence Capital Index Grade
1 United States 74.9 A+
2 United Kingdom 64.2 A
3 Germany 64.2 A
4 Australia 64 A
5 Singapore 63.6 A
6 Switzerland 61.6 A
7 Sweden 61.6 A
8 Canada 61.2 A
9 Finland 60.5 A
10 Denmark 60.3 A

The U.S. holds the highest intelligence capital index, reflecting its robust research, development, and innovation ecosystems.

This ranking is dominated by Western countries, showcasing their strong educational infrastructure and economic investments in intellectual capital.

Singapore appears in both tables, highlighting its global recognition for education and intellectual contributions.

Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Nordic nations demonstrate high intelligence capital due to well-rounded educational and technological advancements.

Many countries (e.g., Canada, Switzerland, and Singapore) feature prominently in both rankings, indicating a correlation between test performance and intelligence capital development.

Methodology

This article draws upon extensive research conducted on national intelligence, including foundational work by psychologist Richard Lynn and collaborators such as Tatu Vanhanen and David Becker.

Lynn and Becker’s studies, though controversial due to their methodologies and conclusions, brought significant attention to the study of IQ across nations.

Data sources include actual test results (T) and estimates (E) extrapolated from neighboring countries.

Complementing these findings are insights from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates 15-year-olds’ application of knowledge in real-world contexts, with the latest data released in 2022.

Additionally, the Intelligence Capital Index (ICI), developed by economist Kai L. Chan and updated in 2017, offers a broader measure of national intellectual capacity. These diverse sources provide a multidimensional perspective on intelligence across nations.

References:

  1. World Data – IQ by Country
  2. ResearchGate – The Relationship Between IQ and Climatic Variables in African and Eurasian Countries
  3. Royal Society Publishing – Impact of Heat Stress on Cognitive Performance
  4. PubMed – The Flynn Effect: A Meta-Analysis of the Increases in IQ Over Time
  5. ScienceDirect – Brain Size, Intelligence, and the Role of Climate
  6. World Population Review – Average IQ by Country
  7. ScienceDirect – Skin Color and Intelligence: A Climatic Perspective
  8. ResearchGate – The European Bell Curve: IQ, Education, and Inequality

Related Posts:

Picture of Thomas Caldwell

Thomas Caldwell

I’m Dr. Thomas "Tom" Caldwell, a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, having taught at prestigious institutions. Now, as a dedicated freelance English teacher, I specialize in delivering engaging and personalized online courses, while also helping students manage their time better and achieve better performance. My passion for literature and innovative teaching methods makes my classes dynamic and impactful. Through LSUUniversityRec.com, I aim to inspire a diverse range of students to love literature and excel in their studies.

Latest Post

Categories

Related Posts

Get in Touch

Email: office@lsuuniversityrec.com

Copyright ©2025 lsuuniversityrec.com. All rights reserved.