Top-10 Countries with the Lowest IQ in the World 2024

Nepal has the lowest recorded average IQ of 42.99. Factors like poverty, limited access to quality education, and the rural nature of much of the population contribute to this score. Know the names of top-10 countries with the lowest IQ in the world as of 2024.

Akansha Arora Published On September 23rd, 2024

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure that tries to assess human intelligence through various cognitive tasks. It’s important to note that IQ does not necessarily reflect a person’s overall intelligence, creativity, or potential, as many factors such as education, socio-economic background, and cultural influences can affect IQ scores. Here are the top 10 countries with the lowest average IQ scores.

What is IQ?

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a way to measure how smart someone is. It checks how well a person can solve problems, think, and remember things. Most people score between 85 and 115, with 100 being the average. It is often used in schools and by doctors to understand a person’s thinking skills.

How is IQ Measured?

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is assessed by evaluating an individual’s cognitive abilities. The main goal is to determine how a person’s mental development compares to what is expected at their age.

An IQ score below 70 is often considered a sign of intellectual disability, while an IQ above 130 places someone in the category of being highly gifted.

Top-10 Countries with the Lowest IQ in the World as of 2024

Nepal, with an average IQ of 42.99, holds the title of the country with the lowest IQ in the world as of 2024, followed by Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guatemala.

Here is the list of top-10 countries with the lowest IQ in the world as of 2024:

Top-10 Countries with the Lowest IQ in the world
Rank	Countries	Average IQ
1.	Nepal	42.99
2.	Liberia	45.07
3.	Sierra Leone	45.07
4.	Guatemala	47.72
5.	Gambia	52.98
6.	Nicaragua	52.69
7.	Guinea	53.48
8.	Ghana	58.16
9.	Ivory Coast	58.16
10.	South Sudan	58.16

Country with the Lowest IQ – Nepal

Average IQ: 42.99

Nepal has the lowest recorded average IQ of 42.99. Factors like poverty, limited access to quality education, and the rural nature of much of the population contribute to this score. Educational improvements and better resources are essential for enhancing cognitive development in the country.

Second Lowest IQ Country – Liberia

Average IQ: 45.07

Liberia’s average IQ is 45.07, one of the lowest globally. Years of civil war, widespread poverty, and a lack of proper educational infrastructure have severely impacted the nation’s cognitive growth, with many children lacking access to good schooling and basic learning tools.

World’s Third Smallest Country in terms of IQ – Sierra Leone

Average IQ: 45.07

Sierra Leone shares an average IQ of 45.07 with Liberia. This West African nation struggles with poor educational systems, political instability, and economic challenges, which have hindered intellectual development and access to quality schooling for much of the population.