106.48 average IQ score, 99% literacy rate: Countries with the highest IQ

Bill Gates once admitted, “I was so naive about different skill sets. I thought if somebody had a high IQ, they could be good at everything. The idea that you needed to blend these different types of skills together, that always continued to surprise me.”

Intelligence, he realised, is more than just having the highest IQ in the world.

It’s also about emotional intelligence, creative thinking, practical skills, and social aptitude.

But that doesn’t mean that people with high IQs aren’t good to be around.

The saying “birds of a feather flock together” holds true here. Being part of a group of intellectuals can definitely enhance your cognitive abilities. Interacting with peers who challenge and inspire you can lead to greater intellectual growth and development.

But first things first, how do IQ tests determine how smart you are?

Billionaire Bill Gates learned that there are different types of intelligence, and the key to success is to find yours. Source: AFP

What is an IQ test?

In 1905, psychologists Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon developed a test to identify children in France who were struggling in school and required individualised attention.

Their method formed the basis of the modern IQ test, which has evolved over time to assess various aspects of intelligence, such as memory, problem-solving skills, mathematical ability, and linguistic skills.

IQ tests aim to measure a person’s intellectual abilities and potential by presenting tasks that focus on reasoning, problem-solving, and logic.

The average IQ is set at 100, with scores above or below this mark indicating higher or lower cognitive abilities. These tests are designed to have an average score of 100. Every year psychologists revise the test to maintain 100 as the average score. However, in 2023, the average IQ score in the US dropped from 100 to 98.

Despite the careful design and calibration of these tests to ensure accuracy and fairness, IQ is just one measure of cognitive ability and does not look at all aspects of human intelligence.

Countries with high average IQ scores usually have well-developed educational systems, prioritise research and development, and have efficient policies in place.

Low IQ scores can be affected by factors such as access to quality education and poverty. Source: AFP

Countries with the lowest IQ

While IQ is not the only measure of intelligence and does not define a nation’s worth or potential, some countries are known to have the lowest IQ.

Low IQ scores can be affected by a number of factors, including access to quality education. Countries with low literacy rates often have lower average IQ scores.

Poverty can also affect a country’s average IQ scores. Countries with inadequate nutrition, poor education, and lack of access to healthcare often report low scores. 

Here are three countries with the lowest IQ scores:

1. Nepal, IQ score of 42.99 out of 100.
2. Sierra Leone, IQ score of 45.07 out of 100.
3. Liberia, IQ score of 45.07 out of 100.

Countries with the highest IQ in the world 

1. Japan 

The country with the highest IQ in the world is Japan with an average score of 106.48. The Japanese education system is considered one of the best in the world, renowned for its high-quality curriculum, holistic approach, and strong emphasis on ethics and morals. This has led to a high literacy rate of 99%.

On top of that, the country is a leader in robotics, natural sciences, aerospace exploration and biomedical research areas and has at least 15 Nobel Prizes.

2. Taiwan

Coming in second place on the list of countries with the highest IQ in the world is Taiwan. The average IQ in Taiwan is at 106.47 and the country boasts a literacy rate of 99%.

Taiwan is renowned for its technological advancements, with an emphasis on research and development, manufacturing, and innovation. Taiwanese companies such as Foxconn, TSMC, and HTC are known for their contributions to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

Singapore comes in third with the highest IQ in the world. Source: AFP

3. Singapore

Though a small country, Singapore has one of the highest IQ scores in the world. The Lion City ranks third according to the World Population Review, with a score of 105.89.

With high-ranking universities such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, the country has achieved a literacy rate of 97.6%.

4. Hong Kong

Another country — Asian again — that ranks highly for its IQ scores is Hong Kong, with an average IQ of 105.37.

With some of the best universities in Asia, the University of Hong Kong ranks 17th on the QS World University Ranking, Hong Kong has a literacy rate of 95.7%. 

5. China

The “tiger mom” has become a popular stereotype when referring to traditional Chinese parenting styles. They are known to push their children to high levels of achievement. 

While many criticise this parenting style, it has definitely paid off to some extent, with the country having a high average IQ score of 104.1. 

However, while the country does boast high IQ scores and a literacy rate of 97.15%. The education system is known to be highly competitive, and students face a huge amount of pressure to perform academically. 

Kim Namjoon (third from right) has a high IQ score of 148, which is above the global average of 100.  Source: AFP

6. South Korea 

Did you know that the leader of the famous K-pop boy band BTS has an IQ of 148?

This is no surprise, as Kim Namjoon grew up in a country known for its high IQ score. The country boasts an average IQ score of 102.35 and a literacy rate of 98.8%.

YoungHoon Kim, who has the highest IQ score in the world, is also from South Korea, which is a testament to the country’s education system. 

7. Belarus

According to the World Population Review, Belarus is the seventh country with the highest IQ in the world. Aside from its average IQ score of 101.6, the country boasts a high literacy rate of 99.7%.

Belarus also has a long history of scientific achievement. Belarusian scientists have made significant contributions to fields such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics. This includes advancements in nanotechnologies, nuclear and renewable energy, aerospace, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and more.

8. Finland

The happiest country in the world has an average IQ score of 101.2.

Finland’s education system is one of the best in the world, which has resulted in its high literacy score of 100%. The best part is that education in the country is free from pre-primary up till higher education.

9. Liechtenstein

With an average score of 101.07, Liechtenstein is one of the countries with the highest IQ in the world.

The country is known for its excellent education and an impressive 100% literacy rate. Though a small country of only 39,830, it is the second richest country in the world based on GDP per capita. It is known for its banking, tourism, and art. 

10. Germany

Germany is in 10th place, with an average IQ score of 100.74. It has a strong emphasis on education, resulting in a literacy rate of 99%.

In fact, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who is known to have one of the highest IQ scores in the world, is German. Scoring between 210 and 225, Goethe had knowledge and expertise in many different fields. He was a scientist, poet, playwright, novelist, artist, government official, and diplomat.