Global IQ Rankings 2026: 140 Countries from India to the USA
Global IQ Rankings 2026: 140 Countries from India to the USA
Global IQ Rankings 2026:
A Comprehensive Overview of National Averages (Ranks 1–140)In 2026, global IQ rankings draw primarily from large-scale online standardized testing data, notably from the International IQ Test platform, which aggregated results from over 1.2 million participants in 2025.
These tests are normed to a global mean of 100 with a standard deviation of 15.
East Asian regions and nations continue to lead, reflecting strong performance in cognitive assessments often linked to education systems, testing familiarity, and early development factors.
IQ averages are population-level estimates, not individual measures.
Different studies (World Population Review, International IQ Test, Universal IQ Test) show small variations, but the overall ranking trend is consistent.
Global IQ Levels: How Nations Compare in 2026
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has long been used as a benchmark to compare cognitive ability across populations.
While individual IQ scores vary widely, national averages provide a snapshot of how education, nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions shape intellectual development.
In 2026, the global mean remains anchored around 100, but the distribution across nations shows clear patterns.
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) remains one of the most discussed measures of cognitive ability across populations.
While individual scores vary widely, national averages provide a lens into how education, nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions shape intellectual development.
In 2026, the global mean sits close to 100, but the spread across nations reveals clear regional patterns.
Global IQ Rankings 2026 (1–140)
1. Hong Kong – Average IQ 107.7. Ranked first globally, thanks to decades of rigorous education and cultural emphasis on achievement.
2. South Korea – Average IQ 106.9. Holds second place, driven by disciplined schooling and strong academic culture since the 1980s.
3. China – Average IQ 106.5. Ranked third, supported by rapid urbanization and education reforms that have sustained high levels.
4. Japan – Average IQ 106.3. Fourth globally, consistent for decades due to literacy and structured learning traditions.
5. Taiwan – Average IQ 105.8. Fifth place, steady since the early 2000s, boosted by technology and education systems.
6. Iran – Average IQ 104.8. Sixth globally, notable in the Middle East for outperforming regional averages despite challenges.
7. Australia – Average IQ 104.5. Seventh place, above the global mean, reflecting strong education and living standards.
8. Russia – Average IQ 103.8. Ranked eighth, steady since the 1990s, with emphasis on science and mathematics education.
9. Singapore – Average IQ 103.6. Ninth globally, sustained by its world‑class education system and academic competitiveness.
10. Mongolia – Average IQ 102.6. Tenth place, high for a developing nation, reflecting literacy improvements and access to schooling.
11. Italy – Average IQ 102.1. Eleventh, showing steady progress with strong cultural emphasis on education.
12. Austria – Average IQ 102.0. Twelfth, stable over decades, supported by balanced schooling systems.
13. Luxembourg – Average IQ 101.9. Thirteenth, small population but high averages due to strong education access.
14. United Kingdom – Average IQ 101.8. Fourteenth, plateaued near global mean, historically higher but now levelled.
15. Belgium – Average IQ 101.7. Fifteenth, consistent with past decades, reflecting stable education.
16. Canada – Average IQ 101.6. Sixteenth, steady, with strong literacy and multicultural education systems.
17. New Zealand – Average IQ 101.5. Seventeenth, above global mean, reflecting high education standards.
18. United States – Average IQ 101.0. Ranked eighteenth, plateaued near the global mean; historically higher but now levelled.
19. Israel – Average IQ 100.9. Nineteenth, strong emphasis on science and technology education.
20. Switzerland – Average IQ 100.8. Twentieth globally, stable performance with little change in recent decades.
21. Denmark – Average IQ 100.7. Twenty‑first, consistent, reflecting equality in education.
22. Norway – Average IQ 100.6. Twenty‑second, steady, supported by strong social systems.
23. Netherlands – Average IQ 100.3. Twenty‑third, consistent with past data, supported by education equality.
24. Sweden – Average IQ 100.2. Twenty‑fourth, stable, reflecting strong literacy rates.
25. Finland – Average IQ 100.2. Twenty‑fifth, globally recognized for education quality, steady over decades.
26. Ireland – Average IQ 100.2. Twenty‑sixth, improved since 1990s, now near global mean.
27. France – Average IQ 100.1. Twenty‑seventh, stable for 30 years, showing no major shifts.
28. Iceland – Average IQ 100.0. Twenty‑eighth, small population but strong averages.
29. Slovenia – Average IQ 99.9. Twenty‑ninth, steady, reflecting balanced education.
30. Croatia – Average IQ 99.8. Thirtieth, gradual improvement since 1990s.
31. Slovakia – Average IQ 99.7. Thirty‑first, stable, supported by technical education.
32. Estonia – Average IQ 99.6. Thirty‑second, improved since independence, strong literacy.
33. Latvia – Average IQ 99.5. Thirty‑third, steady, reflecting education reforms.
34. Lithuania – Average IQ 99.4. Thirty‑fourth, consistent progress since 1990s.
35. Belarus – Average IQ 99.4. Thirty‑fifth, stable, emphasis on science education.
36. Ukraine – Average IQ 99.3. Thirty‑sixth, slightly below global mean, affected by instability.
37. Kazakhstan – Average IQ 99.3. Thirty‑seventh, steady, reflecting gradual education improvements.
38. Germany – Average IQ 99.3. Thirty‑eighth, slightly below global mean, a small decline compared to earlier decades.
39. Bosnia & Herzegovina – Average IQ 99.2. Thirty‑ninth, stable, modest education outcomes.
40. Serbia – Average IQ 99.1. Fortieth, consistent, reflecting balanced schooling.
41. Montenegro – Average IQ 99.0. Forty‑first, steady, small population averages.
42. North Macedonia – Average IQ 98.9. Forty‑second, gradual improvement.
43. Albania – Average IQ 98.8. Forty‑third, steady, reflecting literacy gains.
44. Georgia – Average IQ 98.7. Forty‑fourth, improved since 2000s.
45. Armenia – Average IQ 98.6. Forty‑fifth, steady, emphasis on education.
46. Azerbaijan – Average IQ 98.5. Forty‑sixth, gradual rise with reforms.
47. Kyrgyzstan – Average IQ 98.5. Forty‑seventh, modest but stable.
48. Uzbekistan – Average IQ 98.5. Forty‑eighth, steady, literacy improvements.
49. Tajikistan – Average IQ 98.4. Forty‑ninth, stable, modest education.
50. India – Average IQ 98.4. Ranked fiftieth, showing gradual improvement from mid90s in past decades due to better nutrition and education access.
51. Italy – Average IQ 98.3. Fiftyfirst, stable over decades, reflecting strong but regionally uneven education.
52. Spain – Average IQ 98.2. Fiftysecond, consistent with past averages, showing modest improvement in literacy rates.
53. Poland – Average IQ 98.1. Fiftythird, steady progress since the 1990s, supported by reforms in education.
54. Czech Republic – Average IQ 98.0. Fiftyfourth, stable, with strong emphasis on technical and scientific learning.
55. Hungary – Average IQ 97.9. Fiftyfifth, showing little change over decades, reflecting balanced but modest education outcomes.
56. Portugal – Average IQ 97.8. Fiftysixth, gradual improvement since the 1990s, linked to expanded schooling access.
57. Greece – Average IQ 97.7. Fiftyseventh, stable, though economic challenges have slowed further gains.
58. Romania – Average IQ 97.6. Fiftyeighth, steady progress since the 2000s, with literacy improvements.
59. Bulgaria – Average IQ 97.5. Fiftyninth, consistent with past decades, reflecting modest education systems.
60. Turkey – Average IQ 97.4. Ranked sixtieth, showing gradual improvement but still below Western Europe averages.
61. Qatar – 97.9
Rapid modernization and education reforms have lifted its average.
62. Denmark – 97.7
Hightrust, equitable Nordic schooling keeps it strong.
63. Algeria – 97.5
North African nation showing steady educational progress.
64. Tunisia – 97.5
Long academic traditions continue to support its performance.
65. United Arab Emirates – 97.4
Visionary investments in knowledge economy and schooling reforms.
66. Bangladesh – 97.3
Largescale literacy programs have improved access to education.
67. Nepal – 97.3
Resilient Himalayan nation focusing on expanding schooling.
68. Iceland – 97.3
Small population but strong Nordicstyle education system.
69. Morocco – 97.2
North African improvements in schooling and literacy.
70. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 97.1
Postconflict educational recovery has stabilized averages.
71. Argentina – 97.1
Latin American intellectual traditions keep it competitive.
72. Turkey – 97.0
Bridge between Europe and Asia, investing steadily in education.
73. Pakistan – 96.9
Large population with competitive academic segments, but uneven access.
74. Moldova – 96.9
Eastern European nation making gradual educational progress.
75. Egypt – 96.7
Ancient scholarly heritage meets modern schooling reforms.
76. Bulgaria – 96.5
Balkan strengths in technical and academic traditions.
77. Brunei – 96.5
Resourcesupported education system ensures strong averages.
78. Uzbekistan – 96.5
Central Asian nation steadily improving literacy and schooling.
79. Cuba – 96.4
High literacy rates despite economic constraints.
80. Chile – 96.3
Latin American education leader with strong urban schooling.
81. Uruguay – 96.1
Stable South American performer with steady education outcomes.
82. Ethiopia – 96.0
Rapid expansion of schooling access, though poverty still limits progress.
83. Kazakhstan – 95.9
Central Asian nation pushing education alongside resource‑driven growth.
84. Jordan – 95.7
Regional emphasis on learning and literacy.
85. Maldives – 95.7
Island nation focusing on human capital development.
86. Philippines – 95.7
Large population with Englishmedium schooling, but uneven quality.
87. Ukraine – 95.7
Strong technical education legacy, though instability affects averages.
88. Bolivia – 95.6
Andean nation making gradual educational improvements.
89. Ecuador – 95.5
South American progress through expanded schooling access.
90. Brazil – 95.4
Vast nation with improving urban education, but rural gaps remain.
91. Madagascar – 95.1
Island nation striving to improve education amid economic challenges.
92. Trinidad and Tobago – 94.8
Caribbean nation with relatively strong educational standards.
93. Libya – 94.8
North African potential, but conflict and instability limit progress.
94. Mauritius – 94.7
African success story, with strong literacy and schooling outcomes.
95. Colombia – 94.6
Latin American nation showing steady improvements in education.
96. Kyrgyzstan – 94.5
Central Asian country expanding access to schooling.
97. Bahrain – 94.3
Gulf nation investing in education as part of modernization.
98. Saudi Arabia – 94.1
Vision 2030 reforms aim to improve education, but disparities remain.
99. Costa Rica – 93.8
Ecofocused Central American nation with strong literacy programs.
100. Mexico – 93.6
Large nation with extensive education programs, though uneven outcomes.
101. South Africa – 93.6
Postapartheid investments in human capital, but inequality and uneven schooling remain major challenges.
102. Iraq – 93.6
Resilience and reconstruction in schooling despite prolonged conflict and instability.
103. Yemen – 93.4
Cultural value on learning persists, but poverty and war severely limit progress.
104. Tajikistan – 93.4
Central Asian nation making steady but modest educational efforts.
105. Kuwait – 93.1
Gulf state with resource‑supported education, aiming for modernization.
106. Cambodia – 93.1
Postconflict recovery in schooling, gradually expanding access.
107. Zambia – 93.1
Southern African nation showing progress in literacy and schooling.
108. Laos – 93.0
Southeast Asian country with ongoing educational developments.
109. Palestine – 92.9
Resilient focus on education despite political and economic challenges.
110. Nigeria – 92.8
Africa’s largest population, with strong urban academic centers but rural gaps.
111. Venezuela – 92.6
Latin American nation with educational strengths but economic instability.
112. Paraguay – 92.4
South American country making steady improvements in schooling.
113. Senegal – 92.3
West African nation pushing literacy and education reforms.
114. Oman – 92.2
Gulf nation investing in modernization and schooling.
115. Jamaica – 92.0
Caribbean nation with vibrant cultural and educational traditions.
116. Benin – 92.0
West African nation showing advancements in literacy and schooling.
117. Kenya – 91.7
East African hub growing in technology and education.
118. Panama – 91.7
Central American nation leveraging its economy to support schools.
119. Zimbabwe – 91.6
Resilient Southern African nation with strong learning culture despite challenges.
120. Ghana – 91.4
West African nation focusing on stability and education expansion
121. Guatemala – 91.4
Central American nation balancing indigenous traditions with modern schooling.
122. Cameroon – 90.6
Central African country with bilingual education efforts.
123. Honduras – 90.4
Gradual progress in literacy and schooling access.
124. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – 90.4
West African nation showing economic and educational growth.
125. Mozambique – 90.3
Southern African nation investing in post‑conflict schooling.
126. Namibia – 90.3
Stable education system supporting steady averages.
127. Dominican Republic – 90.1
Caribbean nation with tourismsupported schooling improvements.
128. El Salvador – 90.0
Central American nation linking education with security reforms.
129. Indonesia – 90.0
World’s largest archipelago scaling up education for a vast population.
130. Botswana – 89.7
African success model in governance and schooling.
131. Tanzania – 89.6
East African nation expanding Swahili‑based education.
132. Afghanistan – 89.3
Persistent value on knowledge despite conflict challenges.
133. Democratic Republic of Congo – 88.6
Vast nation with urban education pockets but rural struggles.
134. Uganda – 88.5
East African nation experiencing a youth and schooling boom.
135. Gabon – 88.4
Resourcesupported Central African education efforts.
136. Angola – 87.9
Postconflict reconstruction driving gradual schooling improvements.
137. Nicaragua – 87.8
Central American nation showing resilience in education.
138. Rwanda – 86.9
Postgenocide nation focusing on human capital and tech‑driven schooling.
139. TimorLeste – 86.7
Young Southeast Asian nation building foundational education systems.
140. Somalia – 83.8
Lowest globally, impacted by prolonged instability and limited access to schooling.
PISA/TIMSS student assessments (math/science/reading) often imply lower cognitive scores for India when converted to IQ equivalents (~70–80 range in some analyses), consistent with environmental/educational factors.
Standard References (Lynn and Colleagues)These are the primary sources for national IQ estimates, based on compiled studies (often Raven's Matrices or similar tests), adjusted to a British mean of 100:Lynn & Vanhanen (2002/2006): India ~81–82.
Lynn & Becker (2019, The Intelligence of Nations): Around 76–77 (some summaries cite 76.2 or 76.24). This is one of the most referenced recent figures.
Earlier Lynn/Meisenberg work: 82 with 19 studies.
These place India in the low- to mid-70s range in global rankings (often 140s+ out of ~200 countries), similar to some other South Asian and developing nations.
Pakistan is often estimated slightly higher (~80–84), Sri Lanka higher still.
India's average IQ is most commonly cited as around 76–82 in major academic compilations, with Lynn/Becker's 2019 update often giving ~76–77.
Reality views by sm
27 may 2026