Top 15 Countries And Regions with Highest Average IQ
What is IQ?
IQ is the acronym for intelligent quotient, and refers to a score given for several standardized intelligence tests. Today, the this test is commonly based on some model of the Stanford Binet Intelligence scale.
IQ tests are designed to measure crystallized and fluid intelligence. Crystallized intelligence involves your knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout your life while fluid intelligence is your ability to reason, problem-solve, and make sense of abstract information.
Not all intelligence can be measured by an IQ test. In fact, primarily, this test measures mathematical and spatial reasoning, logical ability, and language understanding.
Further, an IQ test does not measure things like life experience, wisdom, or personal qualities like being a good friend or a devoted spouse. So it is not a predictor of a person’s quality or worth, though it has occasionally been used as such.
Intelligent workforce is a great asset for any nation. Intelligent people who are willing to work drive the growth of their country. As per the authors of the original study, IQ is highly affected by the country’s GDP.
Determining the Intelligence Quotient of an entire nation is not an easy task, but here is a sincere attempt in that direction. Here are the top 15 countries with highest average IQ
15. China (Average IQ 100)
China is not only the most populated nation in the world, but also has many people with high IQ. Some people believe that this is because children are brought up in strict academic environment in China. Even parents push their children very hard in school. There is lot of pressure and competition. Some are of the opinion that Chinese have high IQ because it is in their genes. Chinese students do well in mathematics, science and literacy. This was proved by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
14. Belgium (Average IQ 100)
Belgium’s education system is of high standard. Around 99 percent of the Belgian population is literate. This Western European nation has given many scientists to the world. Education is compulsory for children aged between 6 years and 18 years. Around 42 percent of 18-21 year olds enroll in postsecondary education. According to PISA, Belgium’s education levels are higher than the OECD average.
13. U.K. (Average IQ 100)
With the Average IQ score of 100, the UK is tied with many other countries. Education is compulsory from ages five to sixteen. Majority of children learn in state-sector schools. The United Kingdom has the two oldest universities in the English-speaking world: Cambridge and Oxford. Jointly known as Oxbridge, they have a history of around eight centuries. Children in this European country do well in mathematics and science.
12. New zealand (Average IQ 100)
Primary and secondary schooling is mandatory for children aged between 6 years and 16 years. Literacy rate in New Zealand is 99 percent. Students in this beautiful island nation are great in mathematics, reading and science.
11. Switzerland (Average IQ 100)
Switzerland enjoys stellar results in national metric. This Central European nation designs programs according to the needs and the abilities of its children. Its education system is lauded by many experts worldwide.
10. Sweden (Average IQ 101)
Sweden takes education seriously and is known to issue many sponsorships and grants. This Scandinavian country’s Nordic social welfare system provides universal tertiary education to its citizens.
9. Germany (Average IQ 102)
Germany has produced, and continues to produce, many scientists, philosophers and artists. Its progressive education system promotes vocational training for overall development of students.
8. Italy (Average IQ 102)
Italy is the birthplace of renaissance. It has made immense contributions in the fields of arts, science and technology. This nation’s performance in science, mathematics, space science, computer science and physics is above average.
7. Austria (Average IQ 102)
In Austria, school attendance in mandatory for nine years, usually to the age of 15. It has a highly disciplined education system and enjoys a motivated and brilliant human capital.
6. Netherlands (Average IQ 102)
Netherlands is famous for its top quality human capital. Education is compulsory for children aged between 5 years and 16 years. Universities offer three-year bachelor’s degree, followed by a one, or two year master’s degree.
5. Singapore (Average IQ 103)
Singapore is a technologically advanced country and a major commercial hub. Primary education is compulsory in this global city-state. The curriculum is developed on the development of English, mother tongue, science and mathematics. Children in Singapore do very well in mathematics and science.
4. Taiwan (Average IQ 104)
Taiwan’s hi-tech industry is playing a key role in the global economy. It scores highly in public education. Its education system has been successful in that students of Taiwan boast some of the highest test scores in the world, especially in science and mathematics .
3. Japan (Average IQ 105)
PISA ranks Japanese students as the sixth best in the world. Elementary and middle school education is compulsory in Japan. Around 75 percent of high school graduates attend a university, trade school, junior college or higher education institution. This island nation is one of the leading countries in terms of scientific research.
2. South Korea (Average IQ 106)
The South Korean society values academic achievement. As per a Bloomberg report, South Korea is the most innovative nation in the world. Citizens of South Korea are hard working and motivated.
1. Hong Kong (Average IQ 107)
Over the years, intelligent and hard working people of Hong Kong have made it a major trade hub and a world city. People of Hong Kong have the highest average IQ in the world. PISA ranks the nation’s education system as the second best in the world. There are eight public universities and one private university in Hong Kong. The education system encourages healthy competition among students.
