Find out which nations are the brainiest of all with our list of the countries with highest average IQ! A country’s workforce is one of its biggest assets, and intelligent citizens can be a boon to its development. Intelligence Quotient is the score based on various test directed at assessing human intelligence and therefore proves to be quite a legit degree of determining how a country fares on the intelligence front. And, the conclusions we arrive at from looking at the list, shows that the Asian countries clearly beat others in this particular race!
Parallels have often been drawn between IQ and workforce abilities, and in turn the wealth of nations and social well being. It’s arguable though, how accurate it is to only consider average IQ to determine how smart or not a country is. There are various other factors that might need some consideration. And then, determining average IQ of an entire nation isn’t exactly the easiest task either. In collection of data of such huge magnitude, it is always possible that some countries get left out, which keeps it from being exactly reliable. Due to these reasons, the study of relationships between nations and intelligence has always invited some amount of controversy whether it’s the methods of collection of data sets or the concept itself which to some extent connects IQ with genetics.
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That being said, the current list does give us an idea of quality of human capital in different countries and definitely qualifies for an interesting read. Also, do check out our other list of the 34 Smartest Countries in the World. For now, check if your country features on our list of countries with the highest IQ, here!
15. China,
Average IQ: 100
The country known as the cradle of civilization has a very decent IQ score of 100 which lands it among the brainiest countries of the world. In a report by Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Chinese 15 year olds had scored the best results in mathematics, science and literacy.
14. Belgium,
Average IQ: 100
Scoring another 100 is the Western European country of Belgium. The country’s education system is quite top notch and over 99% of the population is literate. There has also been a rich legacy of scientists from the country.
13. United Kingdom,
Average IQ: 100
UK may be a great power but on the list of countries with the highest average IQ, it is tied with several other countries with its score of 100. Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies have placed 14 year old students from England at the 10th position for mathematics ability and 9th for science.
12. New Zealand,
Average IQ: 100
The island country in Southwestern Pacific Ocean has a 99% literacy rate. The county has been ranked 7th in PISA’s report while its students are found to be great in reading, mathematics and science.
11. Switzerland,
Average IQ: 101
Not only does Switzerland have stellar results on national metric, its citizens are known to be quite smart themselves. Largely, due to its education system that tailors programs according to student needs and abilities.
10. Sweden,
Average IQ: 101
Sweden undertakes the task of educating its citizens very seriously through various grants and sponsorships. No wonder talents are nurtured right and the country ranks 10th among the intelligent nations of the world.
9. Germany,
Average IQ: 102
Germany doesn’t have a dearth of notable philosophers, artists and scientists. Also, it has a progressive format of education which promotes vocational training for overall student development.
8. Italy,
Average IQ: 102
Italy’s contribution to science and technology has been immense since the Renaissance times. The nationals excel in music and art as well. According to reports, it has above average performance in science, space science, mathematics, computer, science and physics.
7. Austria,
Average IQ: 102
Austria has a highly disciplined educational system. For its highly motivated and brilliant human capital and an average score of 102, it ranks on the 7th position among the countries with the highest average IQ.
6. Netherlands,
Average IQ: 102
The country prescribes compulsory education for students between ages 5-16. The country, being one of the most densely populated ones in the world, definitely doesn’t have a dearth of quality human capital.
5. Singapore,
Average IQ: 103
The country is one of the most technologically advanced in the world and one of the most important commercial hubs. The citizens of the country are known to be smart and motivated while its students have always ranked among the top 5 in mathematics and science according to PISA.
4. Taiwan,
Average IQ: 104
Taiwan is known for its hi-tech industries as well as for its noteworthy performance in public education and human development. Taiwanese students have also achieved some of the highest test scores in the world.
3. Japan,
Average IQ: 105
PISA has ranked Japanese students as the sixth best in the world. The country is also one of the leading nations in terms of scientific research. It definitely tells us something about the brains behind the scientific endeavors of the country, right!
2. South Korea,
Average IQ: 106
South Korea is the world’s most innovative country as per Bloomberg’s research. It also is significantly inclined towards research and development. Korean citizens are known to be one of the hard working and motivated in the world.
1. Hong Kong
Average IQ: 107
Leaving all the other countries among the countries with highest average IQ behind is Hong Kong. While PISA ranks the country’s education system as the second best in the world, the fact that its citizens might be the most intelligent in world is hard to ignore. And, the astounding score of 107 is definitely hard to beat!
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