North Macedonia and Albania have recorded the lowest average IQ in Europe, according to the World Population Review 81.91 and 81.75 respectively whilst neighbouring countries like Greece recording slightly higher scores.
According to a 2019 study by researchers Richard Lynn and David Becker at the Ulster Institute, the highest average IQ scores in the world belong to the Japanese, with the citizens of Taiwan and Singapore close behind.
Other Methods of Measuring Intelligence
According to the World Population Review, while IQ can offer insights, it's just one piece of the puzzle when assessing a nation's intellectual prowess. Numerous alternative metrics paint a more comprehensive picture. These include academic performance on standardised tests, contributions to scientific advancement through innovation and research, and recognition through prestigious awards like Nobel Prizes.
Top 10 Smartest Countries Based on Students' Test Scores in Reading, Math and Science - OECD PISA 2018:
- China - 555, 591, 590
- Singapore - 549, 569, 551
- Macau (China) - 525, 558, 544
- Hong Kong (China) - 524, 551, 517
- Estonia - 523, 523, 530
- Canada - 520, 512, 518
- Finland - 520, 507, 522
- Ireland - 518, 500, 496
- Korea - 514, 526, 519
- Poland - 512, 516, 511
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Intelligence Capital Index - 2017:
- United States - 74.88 (A+)
- United Kingdom - 64.19 (A)
- Germany - 64.18 (A)
- Australia - 63.96 (A)
- Singapore - 63.60 (A)
- Sweden - 61.58 (A)
- Switzerland - 61.57 (A)
- Canada - 61.15 (A)
- Finland - 60.45 (A)
- Denmark - 60.25 (A)
