It’s just human nature to compare IQs with those of others. However, whereas it may be done between friends, family members, or even complete strangers, intelligence is a multidimensional trait influenced by education, environment, culture, and even socio-economic status. But how do entire countries stack up with regard to intelligence? Here is the smartest country in the world and the top contenders.
Parameters for the Smartest Country in the World
We take, in detail, a new 2024 ranking of nations by their average IQ. While, of course, IQ is a measure with as much controversy as consensus, it is one of the most commonly accepted measures of cognitive ability. Thus, the unique perspective it offers in judging trends in intellectual achievement across the globe to determine the smartest country in the world.
What is IQ: How it is Measured
IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a score standardized for measuring cognitive functioning relative to others. Such studies test the ability to problem solve, remember, carry out mathematical thought, and understand written text. The average global IQ score is 100. Anything above 100 results in superior cognitive abilities, while below 100 show inferior ones.
Is IQ the Only Way to Determine Intellect?
One should note that, despite their broad usage, IQ tests do not measure the entire expanse of intellectual capability. Creativity, emotional intelligence, practical problem-solving, and other forms of intellectual abilities often lie outside the ambit of intelligence quotient tests. However, IQ has remained a popular yardstick for measuring intellectual potential.
IQ Tests for Smartest Country in the World
Although useful, IQ tests are not without controversy. Critics argue that IQ tests are not culturally neutral, and results show influence of language, social background, and exposure to education. Despite such criticisms, IQ tests remain an important part of psychological assessment and cross-cultural comparisons of ability.
The Smartest Countries in the World, 2024: Raw Statistics
In 2024, CEOWORLD magazine published a report in which the countries were ranked based on average IQ scores. The result came out pretty interesting and concluded some assumptions about the strengths of educational systems, technological advancement, and stronger national IQs.
Top Smartest Countries in the World: Ranked
Here are the smartest countries in the world and the top countries with the highest IQs:
| Rank | Country | Average IQ |
| 1 | Japan | 106.48 |
| 2 | Taiwan | 106.47 |
| 3 | Singapore | 105.89 |
| 4 | Hong Kong | 105.37 |
| 5 | China | 104.10 |
1. Smartest Country in the World, Japan – Average IQ: 106.48
At the top of that list is Japan, the official smartest country in the world, having an average IQ score of 106.48. Japan is definitely the epitome of educational excellence and innovation. It is from here that formal schooling takes place, where essential discipline, along with critical thought, is inculcated in students. Apart from what is happening with education, Japan is also a country looking to move into the future of technological innovations, so its highest IQ may get higher.
2. Taiwan – Average IQ: 106.47 – Smartest Country in the World
It comes next after Japan, with an average IQ of 106.47. Taiwan has placed its education scheme in the context of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), whereby students learn to keep sharp analytical skills and solve many problems. Taiwan’s focus on its pursuit for research and development allows it to become a scientifically innovative area on matters of technology and industrial production, thus a high average IQ in the country.
3. Singapore – Average IQ: 105.89 – Smartest Country in the World
Singapore is another country that is featured at the top of the global IQ studies list every year. The education system in the city-state has always been on everyone’s lips due to its high academic competition and standards. Education policies in Singapore have focused on creating a well-balanced curriculum that will address both academic and emotional intelligence right from an early age. Singapore continues to be a global leader in education and innovation, with a mean IQ of 105.89.
4. Hong Kong – Average IQ: 105.37 – Smartest Country in the World
Hong Kong, similar to other regional neighbors, has also developed a very good educational system that focuses on academic brilliance from an early age. It’s bright record is because of its highly competitive school environment, which focuses on rote learning and examinations. This hard-hitting strategy has paved the way toward an intelligent society in both intellectual and economic aspects.
5. China – Average IQ: 104.10 – Smartest Country in the World
China rounds out the list of five with a mean IQ of 104.10. With such a huge population, coupled with an innate desire for education, especially science and mathematics education, this country has developed a vast capacity over time. China’s research and development, especially in technology and innovation, have been big contributors to this country’s high IQ rating.
What is the Highest IQ Ever Recorded?
What is the highest IQ? A prodigy from South Korea has the highest IQ, a whopping 276! Younghoon Kim has the highest IQ in the world.
Common Traits of High-IQ Countries
What are some common characteristics among the countries with the highest average IQs? Here are a few:
1. Good educational systems
The strongest of those top-ranking countries have education systems that are rigorous, competitive, and demanding, along with critical and problem-solving test skills.
2. Culture emphasizing education
In many of the high-IQ nations, education is deeply embedded in culture, with strong social expectations for academic achievement.
3. R&D
Japan, Taiwan, and China have focused more on R&D activities, especially in high-technological industries such as the robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology sectors.
4. Effective policies
There has been a greater focus on good-quality instruction, early intervention, and continuous development at each stage of a student’s education.
Countries with Lower IQ Scores
While some countries are at the pinnacle of intellectual achievement, others face serious challenges. What country has the lowest IQ? It is Nepal. The same study that noted those features said the following countries have the lowest average IQs: Nepal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guatemala. Let us look at some of the countries with the lowest IQ:
| Rank | Country | Average IQ |
| 176 | Nepal | 42.99 |
| 175 | Liberia | 43.76 |
| 174 | Sierra Leone | 44.43 |
| 173 | Guatemala | 46.67 |
| 172 | Cape Verde | 47.04 |
What Explains Low National IQ Scores?
On one side, there is the smartest country in the world, with worthy contenders. On the other, there are countries that cannot match up to that IQ level. Nepal, the country with the lowest IQ, may improve its score with time. Many reasons lead to a lower average score in a country. These are:
1. Lack of access to education
In many developing nations, there usually is a constraint to accessing an education because of economic constraints, lack of political stability, and lack of developed infrastructure.
2. Poverty
Economic hardship usually limits the access available to books, technology, and, indeed, proper nutrition, which are missing in the lowest IQ country.
3. Health and Nutrition
It has been proved that malnutrition and poor health care in early childhood have long-lasting effects on the development of the brain and what eventually translates to one’s intellectual capacity.
4. Cultural Factors
Another theory is that lesser values in society toward formal education or critical thinking also lower people’s national IQ scores.
Controversy Surrounding IQ Tests
This is not to be forgotten, however, that IQ tests are not infallible and are often challenged as culturally biased as less well-thought-of tests for certain portions of the population over others. For example, people from more affluent, more urban environments do better in IQ tests simply because they have greater exposure to education facilities.
The Limitations of IQ Tests
Moreover, IQ tests did not measure all kinds of intelligence. Emotionally intelligent, creative, and practically skilled persons are similarly important but were not typically measured. Apart from these shortcomings, IQ remains one of the best validated measuring tools for cognitive ability around the world.
Conclusion
The world of intelligence will continue to evolve with education, technologies, and socio-economic conditions. Countries like Japan, the smartest country in the world, as well as Taiwan, and Singapore will continue to be at the forefront intellectually. It is so, because in states like these there is a strong commitment to education and innovation. The question that remains is how these trends will continue over the coming years. Time will show, hopefully, the other countries match up to these standards with the right welfare policies.
FAQs
Which is the smartest country in the world?
Answer: Japan.
What is the average IQ in Japan?
Answer: As the smartest country in the world, Japan boasts an average IQ of 106.48.
How to determine the smartest country in the world?
Answer: Using standardized IQ tests, the average IQ of the citizens of a nation can be calculated.
What is the ranking of the USA among the smartest countries in the world?
Answer: At the 29th position, the USA has an average score of 97.43.
Why are Asian countries so smart?
Answer: Asian education systems are amongst the most rigorous, developing the child academically and holistically.
Who has the highest IQ in the world?
Answer: Younghoon Kim from South Korea, with an IQ of 276, has the highest recorded IQ.
