List of Countries with the Lowest IQ (2024): Rankings & Data

The List of Countries with Lowest IQ offers fascinating insights into global education, health, and socio-economic differences. Understanding these statistics is important for students, researchers, and anyone interested in general knowledge. While IQ scores offer one perspective on national development, factors like nutrition, education quality, and historical context strongly influence these outcomes. Let’s explore the latest data and trends on this topic.

Top 10 Countries with the Lowest IQ (Below 70) – 2025 Rankings

The top 10 countries with the lowest IQ highlight regions facing severe challenges in education, nutrition, and health. Most of these nations are in Africa, with several in Asia and Central America. These IQ scores represent averages and are influenced by multiple socio-economic and cultural factors.

About the List of Countries with Lowest IQ

IQ (Intelligence Quotient) scores measure certain cognitive abilities. Globally, the average IQ is set at 100, but results can vary based on access to education, nutrition, and social stability. The list of countries with lowest IQ in the world reflects persistent disparities, as nations with lower averages often face higher poverty rates and less access to quality schooling or healthcare.

• IQ below 70 generally signals intellectual disability in clinical terms.

• Scores depend on global assessments and may change with improved living standards.

• Many of these nations are working to improve their educational infrastructure and health systems.

Key Factors Affecting the List of Countries with Lowest IQ

The list of countries with low IQ reveals patterns linked to specific challenges. Factors such as nutritional deficiency, poor healthcare, social inequality, and historic conflicts all play a role. Additionally, the length and quality of schooling directly affect IQ averages within populations.

• Education Gaps: Lower literacy and school attendance rates impact learning and IQ.

• Poverty: Lack of resources means fewer opportunities for brain development during childhood.

• Health Issues: High disease rates and malnutrition reduce cognitive growth.

• Conflict: Wars and social unrest disrupt lives, causing lasting effects on education and mental development.

Regional Trends: Lowest IQ Country in Africa, Asia, and Europe

Students often ask for the list of countries with lowest IQ in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Each continent shows unique patterns in their lowest IQ rankings, shaped by local challenges and development paths.

• Lowest IQ country in Asia: Nepal currently ranks lowest with an average IQ of 42.99.

• Lowest IQ countries in Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia are notable examples.

• Lowest IQ country in Europe: Most lists show Moldova and Albania among the lower-ranked European countries, but their averages remain higher than in affected African or Asian regions.

Role of Education in National IQ Rankings

Education is the strongest predictor for national IQ scores. Studies show every extra year of schooling can boost IQ by 1–5 points. A list of countries by IQ often mirrors the quality and reach of a country’s education system. Nations with advanced, inclusive learning environments tend to report higher cognitive test scores for their populations.

• Countries with the lowest IQ generally have fewer years of average schooling.

• Educational reforms and digital learning are improving results in several countries.

Overview of Countries with Lowest and Highest IQ

While the list of countries with lowest IQ gets attention, some countries are known for high average IQ scores—often due to widespread education and robust economies. For example, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea are often listed among countries with the highest IQ globally, according to reputable studies. The full spectrum of scores helps us understand both global challenges and progress.

• Which person has the lowest IQ in the world? Such information is private and varies; most focus on country averages instead of single individuals.

• IQ rankings can shift as nations invest in health and education improvements.

Limitations and Considerations on National IQ Rankings

It’s important to recognize that the list of countries with lowest IQ is not a full reflection of human intelligence, potential, or worth. IQ tests can be influenced by language, cultural familiarity, test conditions, and temporary challenges. Many individuals excel in other forms of intelligence, such as creativity, emotional quotient, or practical skills, beyond what an IQ test measures.

• Intelligence is complex and goes beyond a single number.

• IQ scores should be viewed alongside real-life skills, context, and opportunities.

• Progress in education and wellbeing can help nations improve these averages over time.

Page Summary

The list of countries with lowest IQ highlights global inequalities in education, nutrition, and healthcare access. While national averages can guide policy and aid efforts, they don’t define individual abilities or potential. Continuous improvements in education and public health can transform these statistics. For more insights and learning, Vedantu offers accessible resources to help students broaden their knowledge of the world.