Have you ever wondered which country has the highest IQ? Well, there’s no need to scratch your head any longer. These guys sit atop the smartest-people-in-the-world chart.
While most of us (hopefully) know that 2 + 2 = 4, have you ever wondered what it takes to be really, really smart? Well, it seems as though smartness is based on your overall intelligence quotient, otherwise known as your IQ. Your IQ is determined when you take part in a standardized test that will ultimately provide you with a number to showcase your human intelligence, and the higher the number, the smarter you are. While some people take IQ tests for fun, there are others who take IQ tests for official studies, such as the one conducted in 2016 by the Statistic Brain Research Institute.
As well as testing individual people, the Statistic Brain Research Institute also linked this data up to their location and the country they live in. By doing this, they were able to piece together a list of the countries with the highest IQ to create the ultimate intelligence puzzle. But are you eager to learn how your country fares up? Has it even made it into the top 25?
Canada – Average IQ of 97
If you have ever been to Canada, you’ll know that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Filled with lakes, mountains, giant moose with giant antlers, and some of the most delicious maple syrup you’ve ever tasted, it should come as no surprise to learn that the people in Canada are pretty happy.
In fact, Canada has normally ranked highly in terms of quality of life, education, and the overall happiness of the people who live there. However, did you know that Canadians are also pretty smart?
Sitting at the end of the list with an average IQ of 97 is the country that many people have on their bucket list. For they may be polite, they are also pretty intelligent with their Canadian ways, and their pleases and thank yous.
United States of America – Average IQ of 98
Do you live in the United States? Did you expect your country to come in at number 24? Many people would expect the United States of America to be much higher up the list, but it seems as though their IQ sits just below the 100 mark.
While it may be one of the most powerful and most developed countries in the world, it seems as though the US falls behind in certain areas of their educational system. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t smart.
Scoring the 24th spot on this list is a pretty impressive feat, considering there are so many countries in the world. The fact that it made its way onto the list proves that there are some smart cookies living across the 50 states.
Norway – Average IQ of 98
If you’re familiar with Scandinavian countries, you’ll know that they are often considered some of the most desirable places in the world to live. Not only are they incredibly beautiful, but the food is something special, and the people are always so happy.
Don’t believe us? Book your next vacation and see for yourself! In fact, this happiness normally ranks them in the top 5 of the happiness quota, and things get even better when you look at their infrastructure, their incomes, their mortality rates, and their education systems.
It seems as though this top-class education system works in their favor because Norway’s average IQ stands at 98. Despite its small size, that’s a mammoth achievement for Norway, and they should be proud of their smarts putting them on par with the United States.
Mongolia – Average IQ of 98
When you think of Mongolia, there’s a high chance that you immediately think of barren mountains, cold temperatures, and people living in yurts. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong, but it seems as though there’s more to Mongolia than meets the eye.
While it might not be as developed as some other countries, this landlocked country does have a few other things to offer. The nomadic and agricultural culture in this country is something that really needs to be seen to be believed, but its history is also something that needs to be recognized.
After all, around 1 in 200 men are direct descendants of Mongolia’s infamous ruler, Genghis Khan. As if that wasn’t enough, the average IQ of those who live in Mongolia is 98, and that’s definitely something to celebrate.
France – Average IQ of 98
If you have ever been to France, you’ll know that this country has so much to offer. Whether you want to check out the Eiffel Tower in Paris or stroll along the beach in Nice, there’s no doubt about the fact that there is so much to see and do.
Of course, the bonuses of this country don’t end there. Although snails may be an acquired taste, dishes and delicacies such as French fries and pastries have made their way across the globe and inspired the way that we eat today.
Yet, what you might not have realized is that the people of France aren’t just good at cooking. They are also pretty intelligent and sit at number 21 on the intelligence chart. The average IQ of those in France is 98, and these smart alecs also top the charts in terms of their health care, education, and life expectancy.
Denmark – Average IQ of 98
If you’re the kind of person that loves riding bicycles but hates the thought of high medical bills, then Denmark might be your new favorite place. That’s because this Scandinavian country has made a name for itself across the world due to its free healthcare and its love of eco-friendly transport.
Many of the main cities in this country have more bicycles roaming the streets than they do cars – and that might have something to do with the fact that the people here are pretty smart.
The average IQ in Denmark can be shared with the likes of Mongolia, France, Norway, and the United States, and they seem pretty proud of that fact. Those who live in Denmark have the pleasure of high-class education that is totally free for all, and it seems as though schools and educators in this country are doing their jobs excellently.
Australia – Average IQ of 98
The land Down Under is known for having strange toilets that flush the wrong way and for putting shrimp on the barbie – thankfully, not the doll we all know and love – but they’re also known for being smart.
With an average IQ of 98, it seems as though these guys are over the moon to see that their education system is paying off in the form of smart locals. While they may spend their free time riding the waves and hanging out with kangaroos, the time they spend in the classroom and learning the ropes of the world seem to work in their favor.
As well as smashing their intelligence quotient, the people of Australia are also pretty proud of their literacy rates. Only a small number of people didn’t know how to read and write in the country in 2003, and their literacy rate came in at a whopping 99%.
Spain – Average IQ of 99
Many people head to Spain for a simpler way of life, and we really don’t blame them. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their days looking at beautiful ocean waves and feeling the sun beating down on their neck while eating paella and drinking Sangria?
While there’s no doubt about the fact that Spain is an incredible place to visit, it seems as though this country has struggled in the past. Their unemployment rate has often caused havoc for those who live there, and other socio-economic areas have also been pretty sluggish.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for this country. One of their saving graces is the fact that they are a country full of smart people, and their average IQ allows them to sit comfortably as the 18th smartest country in the world. You can’t complain about an average IQ of 99.
Poland – Average IQ of 99
Poland probably isn’t the first country you think of when you are tasked with understanding the countries with the highest IQ, but it seems as though they have surprised everyone with their ranking.
With an average IQ of 99, it’s safe to say that this is a country full of smart people who have topped the charts and smashed their intelligence quotient assessments. However, when you think about it, some of the most famous intellectuals in the world have hailed from this country.
Over the course of history, the likes of Nicolaus Copernicus, Christian Wolff, Marie Curie, Frédéric Chopin, and Joseph Conrad have all called this country their home. Alongside this, we bet there are some Polish natives growing up in the country right now who are just waiting for their chance to show off their intelligence to the rest of the world.
Hungary – Average IQ of 99
If you know anything about Hungary, you’ll probably know that this country is pretty small – and despite all of the jokes, most of the people here are well fed and not hungry at all. With just under 10 million people within its borders, you’ll be happy to know that this country looks after its citizens, and they are largely happy.
We bet it’s pretty hard to be sad when you can head to a thermal bath after school or work, but they have still been getting higher and higher up the happiness index as each new year passes.
They have made their way from 110th happiest in the world in 2013 to 62nd happiest in the world in 2019, and that’s a big jump. As if that wasn’t cool enough, the people of Hungary are also incredibly smart. With an average IQ of 99, these people certainly know their stuff.
United Kingdom – Average IQ of 100
Let’s have a round of applause for the United Kingdom, who are the first country to score 100 on the list of countries with the highest IQ. Although the UK may only be a small island nation, that hasn’t stopped it from making its mark on the rest of the globe.
While they have done this in terms of their power and their political influencer, there’s no doubt about the fact that the Royal Family have also done their bit. After all, there’s nothing better than imagining yourself having tea with the Queen and her corgis in Buckingham Palace.
Would she eat scones with cream and jam? Or jam and butter? While you ponder that, you can also ponder the fact that the UK offers impressive universities and schools that seem to have produced incredibly smart individuals.
New Zealand – Average IQ of 100
Those who have never been to New Zealand probably already know a huge amount about the country. What it lacks in size it definitely makes up for in its beauty, but did you know that this place actually boasts more sheep than humans?
As if that wasn’t enough, this country has also made a name for itself thanks to its famous Haka dance, Hobbiton, and rolling hills with miles of greenery. It’s a stunning place to choose as your vacation destination, but it seems as though the people who live here are also pretty happy.
That might have something to do with the fact that they have made their way into triple figures on the list of countries with the highest IQ. Their average is 100, and that’s pretty awesome if you ask us.
China – Average IQ of 100
The phrase “Go big or go home” certainly comes to mind when you think of China. Not only do they have a wall that you can see from space, but they also have thriving cities that are bustling with all kinds of innovation and business deals.
The people in this huge Asian country are known for striving for the best, and it seems as though that’s no different when it comes to academics and intellectuals. With an average IQ of 100, there’s no doubt about the fact that the people in China are pretty smart.
Of course, intelligence doesn’t always come from studying books and acing your school tests. Intelligence also takes into account common sense, your ability to problem-solve, and your ability to take in information and understand it at the same time. 100 is a pretty good score.
Belgium – Average IQ of 100
If you’ve ever had a Belgian waffle, you probably won’t be too surprised to learn that the average IQ in Belgium is 100. After all, you have to be pretty smart to come up with something that delicious.
Sweet treats aside, Belgium is a hugely important country within the world, and this is especially true when it comes to politics. Not only was Belgium the founding member of the likes of the European Union, NATO, and the World Trade Organization, but this country has also been home to some of the most intelligent individuals in history.
People who have called Belgium their birthplace have been Gerardus Mercator, Albert Claude, Fernand Khnopff, and so many more. We can imagine that the people who live in Belgium now have all been inspired by these intellectuals of the past.
Switzerland – Average IQ of 101
It should come as no surprise to learn that Switzerland is sitting near the top of this list because it’s often considered to be one of the best countries in the world. Not only do they create delicious chocolate and produce some of the best watches that this planet has to offer, but they have regularly topped the charts in terms of their national performance.
The people who live here are pretty happy, their political situation is pretty safe and rather uneventful, and unemployment levels aren’t too bad. To top off being the teacher’s pet, it seems as though Switzerland has another string to add to their bow.
The country has an average IQ of 101, and most people credit that to their impressive educational system. Rather than offering standardized testing and education for every student, they tailor their education to suit each child.
Sweden – Average IQ of 101
Sweden is the kind of place that you should definitely add to your bucket list because it’s regularly classed as one of the most impressive countries in the world. It has been the home of countless icons over the years, including the likes of Jenny Lind, Greta Thunberg, Alfred Nobel, Anders Celsius, and many more.
As if that wasn’t enough, Sweden has almost always topped the charts in terms of the people who live there and their quality of life, their equality, their civil liberties, their health and wellbeing, and their education.
All of these bonuses have worked in their favor, and it seems as though the people of Sweden also have their intelligence to offer. With an average IQ of 101, Sweden takes 10th place in the list of countries with the highest IQ. That’s not bad going.
Netherlands – Average IQ of 102
Those who haven’t been to the Netherlands before probably won’t know why this country has made it to the top half of the list. However, those who have seen this beautiful country for themselves and experienced the way of life in the Netherlands will understand their placing completely.
As if their tulips, canals, and windmills weren’t enough to win you over, everything about this country certainly will. The laws are famously quite lax in this country, and rather than sending people spiraling into a life of crime, this has actually made them happier.
With happiness comes a willingness to work hard and earn their money, and this has pushed unemployment levels down and allowed people to earn a good wage for themselves and their families. To top this all off, the people of the Netherlands are also smart cookies, as their average IQ stands at 102.
Italy – Average IQ of 102
If you’re a fan of Italian cooking, you’ve probably eaten more pizza and pasta than you could ever put into numbers. While most people know this country for the food that they produce, the language they speak, and the amazing attractions that are on offer, that’s not all they have to show the world.
Although there’s no doubt about the fact that the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and other attractions bring in millions of visitors every single year, the people who live here are also pretty blessed.
One of the main reasons for that is because the people who live here have scored pretty highly on the intelligence scale. In fact, their average IQ comes in at 102, and that’s definitely something to be proud of.
Germany – Average IQ of 102
German people are known for being fairly straight-to-the-point, but it’s fair to say that this has got them pretty far in life. In fact, they have had a huge impact on the world, and the German people have had a huge impact on their own country.
As well as living in a place that has an incredibly high standard of living, and an amazing education system, the people who live here are also amazingly intelligent. The average IQ of those in Germany is 102, and many people have put this down to the high-class education that Germans have on offer.
Not only are schools well-equipped to deal with students at a young age, but universities are also free for older students to attend and improve their intelligence. What could be better than that?
Austria – Average IQ of 102
Have you ever been to Austria? Well, if you’re into your castles, palaces, and prim and proper architecture, then it will definitely be up your street. Austria is a hugely popular tourist destination thanks to its rich history and its amazing landscapes, but it seems as though the people who call this place home are also proud to do so.
Over the past few years, Austria has managed to make its way up the World Happiness Index and has only just missed out on a top 10 hot spot. As if that wasn’t enough, Austria is also renowned for its living standards and the education that it provides for those who live here.
With so much going for them, it should come as no surprise to learn that the average IQ is pretty high. In fact, they just miss out on the top 5 spot with an average IQ of 102.
Singapore – Average IQ of 103
Asian countries are notorious for being home to determined and intelligent people who want to make their lives as impressive as possible. So, does it really surprise you to learn that the top 5 of the countries with the highest IQ is dominated by Asian countries?
Coming in at number five is Singapore, which is known for being one of the forerunners in terms of technological advancement. It seems as though the people in this country are constantly coming up with new inventions that are changing the world, and they seem pretty proud of that fact.
They spend their lives researching how they can make the world a better place, and those in Singapore are helping their sovereign-state make their way into the big leagues in terms of intelligence. With an average IQ of 103, they’re doing pretty well for themselves.
Taiwan – Average IQ of 104
Although there’s no doubt about the fact that the world is full of university graduates, it seems as though Taiwan stomps other countries out of the water with their graduates. A huge percentage of the population in this country goes on to study at college, and that might have something to do with the education system and the fact that students are encouraged to succeed on all levels.
A twelve-year compulsory education program is in place for all students in Taiwan, and this has pushed them all to strive for top intelligence.
Because of this, the average IQ for those who live in Taiwan comes in at 104, and it seems as though they’re constantly going to be making waves to improve that score. So, you should probably watch that space.
Japan – Average IQ of 105
Finally, we’re onto the bronze medal. Keeping with the Asian theme, Japan comes in at number three, with an average IQ of 105. The third smartest country in the world certainly has a lot going for them, and there’s no doubt about the fact that other countries look to them for inspiration.
Not only are they making waves in terms of their technology and their general well being and business acumen, but they are also leaders in terms of research and innovation. You can guarantee that something is always going to be happening in this country, and they use their brightest minds to create these changes and implement their ideas.
Not only do they have smart cookies already, but we have a feeling that they’re going to have even smarter cookies as the next generation grows up.
South Korea – Average IQ of 106
Taking the silver medal is South Korea, and you can probably see a trend emerging here. Known for being one of the most economically-minded countries in the world, South Korea is full of people who know exactly what they want in life.
They want to be smart, they want to be successful, they want to make money, and they want to be happy. It seems as though they have got much of this down, as the people of South Korea score pretty highly in terms of their national status.
Their World Happiness Index has stayed fairly stable over the past few years, and they’re certainly nearer the top than the bottom of this list. As if that wasn’t enough, their average IQ score of 106 will definitely put a smile on their faces.
Hong Kong – Average IQ of 107
So, we’re here. Taking first place as the smartest country in the world is Hong Kong! Did you see that coming? While having the title as the most intelligent country that this planet has to offer is definitely going to earn Hong Kong some brownie points, we have a feeling that they’re not going to let this go to their heads.
Although this nation may be small, they have been able to seriously make their mark on the world, and they have thrived under their own leadership.
They have built up an infrastructure that works for everyone, and it seems as though this has inspired its citizens to work as hard as possible to be as smart as possible. This has paid off for them because they now top the charts with an average IQ of 107.
