Top 10 Countries With Highest IQ Levels in The World

Kazi Nasir | Oct 21, 2025, 12:37 IST
Highest IQ Countries
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The article goes through the findings of psychologists Richard Lynn and David Becker’s study “The Intelligence of Nations,” which was presented in the World Population Review. It highlights the top 10 countries with the highest average IQs, led by Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. The article concludes by questioning whether these rankings reflect only education and environment or if deeper social and cultural roots shape a nation’s cognitive strength.
Highlights
  • Japan tops the global IQ list with an average score of 106.48.
  • East Asian countries dominate the ranking, showcasing their academic and technological leadership.
  • European nations like Finland, Liechtenstein, and Germanyuphold high standards of education and innovation.
Planet Earth or the world, has shrunk into a global village today. Every nation is dependent on the others in terms of economy and progress. To measure which country is performing well in the global ecosystem, there are many yardsticks, among them the intelligence quotient (IQ) is an important one. This is the yardstick that measures the cognitive potential to test how a person is doing in logical reasoning, problem solving, mathematical skills, verbal comprehension and spatial visualisation. This article goes through the study of psychologists Richard Lynn and David Becker, titled "The Intelligence of Nations." Providing data on the world population review. So let's see what the top 10 countries with the highest IQ in the world.

1. Japan

Japanese IQ
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Japan scored 106.48 in the report securing the top position on the list. This shows that Japanese are good at problem solving; however the result can not be generalised. The country is deeply rooted in high discipline, its commitment to education and innovation in the fast paced world.

2. Taiwan

Taiwan scored 106.47. Maybe becasue of their strong STEM education system, which means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The country impacts the world with their critical role in semiconductor manufacturing.

3. Singapore

Singapore scored 105.89 securing them the third position. The country is home to world class universities and they have policies that encourage innovation and academic excellence.

4. Hong Kong

Hong Kong scored 105.37 on the list. Despite the political or social turmoils the country has witnessed recently, the country has inherited a spirit of entrepreneurship. It is a financial center, where favourable business and robust startups thrive.

5. China

China And Technology
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China scored 104.1 on the list. This is the result of their large investment in education in the field of technology and science. In the multipolar world, China is a thriving nation with their regular influence in global economy.

6. South Korea

South Korea scored 102.35 on the list. This country resonate a culture which emphasis itself on innovation and academic achievement. They are doing well in the field of AI electronics and entertainment ofcourse.

7. Belarus

The country scored 101.6 which highlights Belarus deep educational foundations. Upon which the workforce that are equiped in technology and engineering fields thriving.

8. Finland

Finland IQ
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Finland scored 101.2 on the list. This is the country that provides equal opportunities to all and inherit an admired education system, where quality teaching and education culture that is student centered.

9. Liechtenstein

This country scored 101.07 in the IQ race. This is the home of a population that are well educated. Though the country is modernised with international standards, it still maintains a constitutional monarchy. And despite the is in tine size, they are maintained a stable political atmosphere, thriving in strong diversified economy.

10. Germany

Germany and Education
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Germany ranked 10th the IQ race, scoring 101. The country is known for its sophisticated educational system. Its industrial capacity that are rooted in innovation and technical skills.

Going through the IQ list of the countries one might be astonished how come the East Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and China or the smaller European nations are topping the race. Is it because of their educational system, cultural impact or nutrition that helps them achieve this position? It will be interesting to witness the next decade, how the IQ map reshapes or stays the same.

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