Looking at average IQ scores across countries can help give us an idea of what affects thinking and learning in different parts of the world. The latest update from the International IQ Test in 2025 ranked countries based on results from over 1.3 million people who took the same test in 2024. Keep in mind—scores like these are shaped by things like education, culture, diet, and access to resources.
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China
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Average IQ: 107.19
China values education and thrives on it. Students begin exam prep before they even hit double digits. The Gaokao, one of the world’s toughest tests, decides future careers. Add state funding in AI and research, and it’s no wonder China tops the list.
South Korea
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Average IQ: 106.43
Education in South Korea is a full-time job. Students often study into the night at after-school academies called hagwons. Schools push critical thinking starting in the early years, and parents view academic success as a duty. This all fuels a culture where learning is a top priority.
Japan
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Average IQ: 106.4
In Japan, the classroom is meant to train focus, discipline, and logic. Schools follow precise routines where students explore science and problem-solving from a young age. The country’s tech-driven economy also supports this learning style with real-world applications and innovation.
Iran
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Average IQ: 106.3
Iran isn’t often linked to global education leaders, but its students consistently shine in science Olympiads. Math and engineering get heavy attention in schools. Despite sanctions, many universities maintain high standards. This growing influence has also encouraged families to push for education as a tool for stability and progress.
Singapore
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Average IQ: 105.14
Singapore builds smart minds with smart systems. Their teachers get world-class training, and lessons focus on depth over memorization. Kids learn problem-solving early, and every school follows strict national standards. The results show up in global rankings and innovation stats.
Russia
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Average IQ: 103.16
Russian students grow up solving equations that stump others. The country keeps a strong focus on physics, engineering, and analytical subjects. But what’s more interesting is that they’ve included chess in school learning for many kids.
Mongolia
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Average IQ: 102.86
Mongolia doesn’t let distance limit education. Solar-powered tech brings lessons to remote areas, and kids in rural schools use tablets to access math and science content. The country’s deep respect for knowledge drives learning, even in areas without internet or electricity.
Armenia
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Average IQ: 102.58
Education is taken seriously in Armenian culture. Even with limited resources, schools emphasize logic, reasoning, and problem-solving. Many families look to global learning tools and support from the Armenian diaspora to enhance education. Students often speak multiple languages and study abroad.
Australia
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Average IQ: 102.57
Australia’s classrooms look a bit different from regular schools. Students explore, question, and collaborate to boost critical thinking. Schools receive strong public funding, and universities lead in climate science, medicine, and more. The system focuses on real-world thinking and lifelong learning.
Spain
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Average IQ: 102.3
Spain has shifted gears in the last decade. Education reform now focuses on creativity, digital skills, and bilingual learning to divert from baseless memorization. Students gain exposure to both traditional subjects and newer tech-based ones. These changes help boost performance without relying on test pressure alone.
New Zealand
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Average IQ: 102.08
The education system in New Zealand isn’t based on a one-size-fits-all structure. Teachers personalize lessons, and students take the lead in their learning. The country combines modern techniques with indigenous Māori knowledge. This balance creates flexible thinkers who know how to problem-solve and adapt.
Sri Lanka
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Average IQ: 102.02
Sri Lanka made education a national priority by making public schooling free through university. The country has a high literacy rate, even in rural areas. New programs in tech education and language learning help students compete in a global economy.
Slovenia
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Average IQ: 101.96
Slovenia may be small, but it has a mighty school system. Students participate in science fairs, math contests, and logic challenges. The country has strong academics and focuses on creative learning. Most students move on to higher education with a solid foundation.
Canada
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Average IQ: 101.65
The Canadian system values diversity and critical thinking. Students often grow up speaking more than one language. Teachers focus on curiosity and real-world skills. Its strong public schools and world-class universities help Canada deliver well-rounded learning.
Thailand
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Average IQ: 101.52
Thailand is in the middle of a major education upgrade. Kids now learn coding and robotics in school, and teachers are getting new training to match the shift. Rural areas receive tech tools and internet access. The goal is to close learning gaps and raise national performance.