Intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measure of human intelligence. People who want to have their IQ measured take standardized tests and receive a score that ranks their intelligence level. The higher one's IQ score, the more intelligent that person is considered to be.
IQ and Education: Two Sides of the Same Coin
IQ scores typically reflect the quality of education and resources available to people in their local geographic regions. Areas of the world with lower IQ scores are typically poorer and less developed, particularly in the area of education, compared to countries with higher IQ scores. Many researchers also use IQ to determine the smartest countries in the world. The IQ map above shades each country depending on how high the average IQ score in it is.
Which Country Has the Highest Average IQ?
According to a 2019 study by researchers Richard Lynn and David Becker at the Ulster Institute, the highest average IQ scores in the world belong to the Japanese, with the citizens of Taiwan and Singapore close behind. The top 10 list appears below, and the full rankings appear in the table further down this page.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Average IQ - Ulster Institute 2019:*
Country | IQ (Lynn/Becker) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 106.48 |
| Taiwan | 106.47 |
| Singapore | 105.89 |
| Hong Kong | 105.37 |
| China | 104.1 |
| South Korea | 102.35 |
| Belarus | 101.6 |
| Finland | 101.2 |
| Liechtenstein | 101.07 |
| Germany | 100.74 |
*It bears mentioning that Lynn's studies, while comprehensive, tend to spark considerable debate.
As the data demonstrates, average IQ scores vary widely across the globe. Some researchers divide the world's countries into ranked categories based on their average IQ scores. These averages were obtained by starting with the country's average score in standard IQ tests (a common starting point), then fine-tuning those scores with additional measurements, such as national math, reading, and science assessments, while also factoring in the overall quality of the data.
Other Methods of Measuring Intelligence
However, it's important to remember that IQ isn't the only way to measure intelligence. There are many different ways to seek out the smartest countries in the world, and many of them have nothing to do with average IQ. For instance, it is possible to evaluate a country’s academic test scores, likelihood of "expanding the frontier of knowledge" and introducing new data technologies, or even the number of Nobel Prizes won.
Top 10 Smartest Countries Based on Students' Test Scores in Reading, Math and Science - OECD PISA 2018:
- China - 555, 591, 590
- Singapore - 549, 569, 551
- Macau (China) - 525, 558, 544
- Hong Kong (China) - 524, 551, 517
- Estonia - 523, 523, 530
- Canada - 520, 512, 518
- Finland - 520, 507, 522
- Ireland - 518, 500, 496
- Korea - 514, 526, 519
- Poland - 512, 516, 511
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Intelligence Capital Index - 2017:
- United States - 74.88 (A+)
- United Kingdom - 64.19 (A)
- Germany - 64.18 (A)
- Australia - 63.96 (A)
- Singapore - 63.60 (A)
- Sweden - 61.58 (A)
- Switzerland - 61.57 (A)
- Canada - 61.15 (A)
- Finland - 60.45 (A)
- Denmark - 60.25 (A)
- Substantial research on the subject of national IQs was conducted by psychologist Richard Lynn (1930-2023), working alongside the late Tatu Vanhanen (1929-2015) or, for 2019's The Intelligence of Nations, with David Becker.
- Becker's estimates are categorized by source. T = value is based upon actual test results from said country. E = value is a best-guess estimate based upon measured values of nearby countries.
- Becker's contributions were highly controversial. He promoted the theory that specific races and genders are genetically predisposed to be more intelligent than others, and both his methology and his objectivity were often called into question. However, his work brought attention to the field and he is frequently (if often grudgingly) considered a pioneer in the field of national intelligence.
- The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a triennial survey of 15-year-old students around the world that measures students' ability to recall learned knowledge and apply it in new settings both in and out of school. PISA results were most recently released in 2022.
- The Intelligence Capital Index (ICI) was created by economist Kai L. Chan and most recently updated in 2017.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of intelligence research and measurement. My expertise spans various aspects of intelligence quotient (IQ) and its implications, backed by a deep understanding of standardized testing methodologies, statistical analyses, and the socio-economic factors influencing IQ scores.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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IQ and Education: Two Sides of the Same Coin
- The article suggests a correlation between IQ scores and the quality of education and resources available in local geographic regions.
- Regions with lower IQ scores are often associated with lower economic development and education standards.
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Top 10 Countries with the Highest Average IQ - Ulster Institute 2019:
- The article provides a list of countries with the highest average IQ scores, with Japan topping the list, followed by Taiwan and Singapore.
- It mentions the study by researchers Richard Lynn and David Becker at the Ulster Institute and acknowledges the debate sparked by Lynn's studies.
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Other Methods of Measuring Intelligence
- The article emphasizes that IQ is not the sole measure of intelligence.
- It introduces alternative methods, such as evaluating a country's academic test scores, technological advancements, and the number of Nobel Prizes won.
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Top 10 Smartest Countries Based on Students' Test Scores - OECD PISA 2018:
- The OECD PISA 2018 results for reading, math, and science test scores are presented, with China leading in all categories, followed by Singapore.
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Top 10 Countries with the Highest Intelligence Capital Index - 2017:
- The Intelligence Capital Index (ICI) is introduced, created by economist Kai L. Chan.
- The United States tops the list, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, and others.
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Contributions and Controversies of Richard Lynn and David Becker:
- Richard Lynn and David Becker's contributions to national IQ research are highlighted.
- Becker's controversial views on race and gender differences in intelligence are mentioned, raising questions about his methodology and objectivity.
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Other Relevant Information:
- The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is introduced as a survey of 15-year-old students measuring their ability to recall and apply knowledge.
- The Intelligence Capital Index (ICI) is briefly explained as a measure created by economist Kai L. Chan.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of various methods used to measure intelligence at a national level, ranging from traditional IQ scores to academic test scores and the Intelligence Capital Index. It also acknowledges the controversies surrounding certain researchers and their contributions to the field.
