In 2025, intelligence quotient (IQ) scores remain a significant, though debated, metric for assessing cognitive abilities across populations. Based on data aggregated from studies like those by Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen, the top 10 countries with the highest average IQ scores in 2025 reflect a combination of educational excellence, economic development, and cultural factors. Led by South Korea with an average IQ of 107.54, these nations demonstrate strong investments in education, healthcare, and social stability. This article explores these countries, their IQ scores, and the factors contributing to their high cognitive performance in 2025.
1. South Korea: 107.54
South Korea leads the world in 2025 with an average IQ of 107.54, driven by its rigorous education system and technological advancement. Seoul’s emphasis on academic excellence, with 98% high school graduation rates and 70% of students pursuing higher education, fosters cognitive development. In 2025, South Korea’s investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and a low child malnutrition rate (2%) enhance intellectual outcomes. The country’s high literacy rate (99.9%) and median income ($40,000) support a culture of learning, making South Korea a global leader in IQ in 2025.
2. China: 106.99
China ranks second in 2025 with an average IQ of 106.99, reflecting its massive investment in education and economic growth. With 1.4 billion people, cities like Shanghai and Beijing boast world-class universities and a 99.8% literacy rate. In 2025, China’s focus on early childhood education and STEM programs, coupled with a low poverty rate (1.7%), boosts cognitive performance. The country’s competitive exam system and access to digital learning platforms enhance intellectual development. China’s blend of tradition and innovation positions it as a cognitive powerhouse in 2025.
3. Iran: 106.84
Iran secures third place in 2025 with an average IQ of 106.84, a surprising standout due to its strong educational framework. Tehran and Isfahan host top universities, with 85% of youth enrolled in tertiary education. In 2025, Iran’s literacy rate (96.1%) and emphasis on science and engineering education drive high IQ scores. Despite economic challenges, government subsidies for healthcare and education reduce child malnutrition (4%) and support cognitive growth. Iran’s cultural value on academic achievement makes it a notable performer in 2025.
4. Japan: 106.18
Japan, tied for fourth in 2025 with an average IQ of 106.18, is renowned for its disciplined education system and technological innovation. Tokyo and Osaka report a 99.9% literacy rate and 65% tertiary education enrollment. In 2025, Japan’s focus on early learning, with 95% of children in preschool programs, and low malnutrition rates (2.5%) foster cognitive development. The country’s high median income ($45,000) and access to advanced healthcare enhance intellectual outcomes. Japan’s cultural emphasis on precision and education solidifies its high IQ ranking in 2025.
5. Singapore: 106.18
Singapore, also fourth in 2025 with an IQ of 106.18, leverages its world-class education system and economic prosperity. The city-state’s 100% literacy rate and 80% tertiary education enrollment reflect its commitment to learning. In 2025, Singapore’s smart classrooms and STEM-focused curricula, supported by a $13 billion education budget, drive cognitive excellence. With a low poverty rate (0.5%) and high GDP per capita ($87,884), Singapore ensures optimal nutrition and healthcare. Its multicultural environment and rigorous schooling make it a global IQ leader in 2025.
6. Austria: 102.71
Austria ranks sixth in 2025 with an average IQ of 102.71, driven by its high-quality education and social welfare systems. Vienna, a global education hub, boasts a 99.8% literacy rate and free university education. In 2025, Austria’s low unemployment (4.2%) and median income ($61,582) support cognitive development, while a 3% child malnutrition rate ensures health. The country’s emphasis on vocational training and STEM education enhances intellectual outcomes. Austria’s stable, inclusive society makes it a top performer in IQ rankings in 2025.
7. Canada: 102.6
Canada, seventh in 2025 with an average IQ of 102.6, benefits from its inclusive education system and multicultural society. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver report a 99.9% literacy rate and 60% tertiary education enrollment. In 2025, Canada’s universal healthcare and low poverty rate (8.1%) reduce developmental barriers. The country’s focus on early childhood education and STEM programs, with a $10 billion education budget, fosters cognitive growth. Canada’s high median income ($68,000) and safe environment make it a strong contender in 2025.
8. Germany: 102.36
Germany ranks eighth in 2025 with an average IQ of 102.36, driven by its robust education system and economic stability. Berlin and Munich offer free university education and a 99.9% literacy rate. In 2025, Germany’s vocational training programs and STEM focus, with 55% of students in higher education, boost cognitive performance. The country’s low poverty rate (8.7%) and high median income ($62,000) ensure access to healthcare and nutrition. Germany’s innovative culture and strong governance make it a high-IQ nation in 2025.
9. Slovenia: 102.31
Slovenia, ninth in 2025 with an average IQ of 102.31, is a small nation with a big impact. Ljubljana’s education system, with a 99.7% literacy rate and 50% tertiary enrollment, drives intellectual growth. In 2025, Slovenia’s low unemployment (4.0%) and median income ($40,000) support cognitive development, while a 3.5% child malnutrition rate ensures health. The country’s focus on environmental sustainability and quality education fosters a stable, high-IQ society, making Slovenia a hidden gem in 2025.
10. Mongolia: 102.3
Mongolia rounds out the list in 2025 with an average IQ of 102.3, a surprising entry due to its educational reforms. Ulaanbaatar’s schools report a 98.5% literacy rate and increased STEM investment. In 2025, Mongolia’s efforts to reduce child malnutrition (5%) and improve healthcare access enhance cognitive outcomes. The country’s nomadic heritage and growing urban education initiatives create a unique blend of tradition and progress. Mongolia’s rising IQ scores reflect its commitment to education and development in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, South Korea, China, Iran, Japan, Singapore, Austria, Canada, Germany, Slovenia, and Mongolia lead the world with average IQ scores ranging from 102.3 to 107.54. These nations combine high literacy rates (96.1%–100%), low poverty, and robust education systems to foster cognitive excellence. From South Korea’s academic rigor to Mongolia’s emerging reforms, these countries demonstrate that investment in education, healthcare, and economic stability drives intellectual performance, setting a global standard in 2025.
