The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) varies immensely among nations, with some nations consistently having remarkably low mean values. For instance, Nepal's record-low mean IQ is 42.99, Liberia's is 45.071, and Sierra Leone's is 45. All three values contrast with the world's mean IQ of 82.03. All such variances rely on a multidimensional interrelationship between various factors, including socioeconomic factors, educational level, nutrition, and medical care access.
For a visual overview of countries with the lowest IQ scores, you might find the following chart on the lowest IQ countries in 2024 informative:
Key takeaways
- 2000-2009: The global average IQ in 2000 was 90.31, with a significant gap between low-IQ countries and global standards. IQs in Sub-Saharan African countries consistently ranked at a low level.
- 2010-2015: The average IQ across the global sample in 2010 was 89. High levels of poverty and inequality, particularly among the indigenous groups, negatively impacted cognitive development.
- 2016-2024: The average IQ scores in some countries during this period include 53.48 in Guinea, 58.16 in Ivory Coast, and 52.68 in Gambia.
2000-2009
Between 2000 and 2010, the average IQ of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nepal remained at 51, compared with 90.31 for the global average in 2000. Nepal's literacy rate was 48.6% in 2001, with its schooling interrupted by unrest. Liberia's primary schooling rate dipped below 33% by 2011, and its rate of literacy was 30%.
Sierra Leone's civil war devastated more than 1,300 schools, with its rate of literacy still being about 31% and its rate of completion of secondary schooling being under 5% in 2007. War, poverty, and infrastructure directly contributed to slow cognitive growth between 2000 and 2009.
2010-2015
Between 2010 and 2015, Guatemala's average IQ was 47.72, and Cape Verde's was 52.5. In 2014, 59.3% of Guatemala's citizens were in poverty, and indigenous populations had limited access to quality schooling and healthcare.
The overall literacy rate in India in 2011 was 74.04%, with rural regions lagging behind urban areas. Cape Verde's employment rate was 13.2%, and its rate of emigration was 25%, with 70% of its professional class migrating overseas. With a 2015 illiteracy rate of 87.6%, there was limited infrastructure and poverty, impacting cognitive functioning in both countries.
2016-2024
Between 2016 and 2024, Gambia, Ivory Coast, and Guinea had average IQs of 52.68, 58.16, and 53.48, respectively. Over 43% of Guineans lived in poverty in 2020, and maldevelopment of schooling and malnutrition impaired cognitive development. Ivory Coast had compulsory schooling for 6–16 years, but underinvestment led to a lack of schooling for many children, with 20% of the funds for schooling being lost on repetition and drop-out. In Gambia, 87% of children attended primary school, and 30% of children were not in school.
Conclusion
Extensive poverty, low rates of literacy, low schooling rates, and limited access to healthcare commonly characterise countries with low mean IQ levels. In mean IQ levels of 60 and lower, for example, poverty rates may be greater than 40%, literacy rates may be under 50%, and primary schooling rates average lower than 70%.
The malnutrition rates may be greater than 30%, and this may continue stunting cognitive growth. Cognitive performance and schooling levels rely on remediating these factors with selective schooling, healthcare, and infrastructure investments.
FAQs
Which country has the lowest IQ score?
Based on reports, Nepal has the lowest average IQ, estimated at 42.99.
Which country is the highest in IQ?
According to the World Population Review, Japan has the highest average IQ, estimated at 106.48.
Which country in Africa has the highest IQ?
Business Insider Africa ranks Mauritius as the country with the highest average IQ in Africa, with an average of 86.56.
