Global IQ rankings reveal smartest people in the world
A comprehensive international study spanning from 2000 to 2019 has revealed insights into global intelligence quotient (IQ) levels, average incomes, and government expenditures on education.
Asian countries dominate the top spots in IQ rankings, with Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore all boasting an impressive IQ of 106. These nations are followed closely by Taiwan and China, with IQ scores of 106 and 104 respectively.
According to the study, top economies like the United Kingdom with an average IQ of 99, and the United States and France, both with an average IQ of 97 fall below the top 25 countries with the highest IQ.
Variations in income and education spending
Although IQ is not a guarantee of top academic achievement, it represents cognitive talents such as understanding, ability to solve problems, and learning potential, the study indicates.
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Countries like China, South Korea, and the Netherlands demonstrate the importance of education expenditure in fostering intelligence and economic growth.
Despite variations in income levels, these nations prioritise education, allocating substantial resources to educational development. For example, the Netherlands allocates an average of $2,386 per inhabitant to education, contributing to its IQ ranking of 101.
The study also sheds light on the correlation between IQ levels and economic indicators. Luxembourg, with an IQ of 100, leads the pack in terms of average income, boasting a staggering $71,380.
While high-income countries tend to allocate substantial resources to education, there are exceptions. For instance, North Korea, with an IQ of 100, doesn't provide data on education expenditure. However, countries like Finland and Canada demonstrate a strong commitment to education, investing significantly per inhabitant.
Regional disparities
Several African and Latin American nations also make appearances, although with varying rankings. South Africa, for instance, showcases an IQ of 69 alongside an average income of $5,941, indicative of economic challenges faced by the region. In Latin America, Brazil demonstrates an IQ of 83 with an average income of $7,586.
IQ and Climate
Another aspect of the study is the influence of climate on intelligence. Nations with moderate to cooler climates such as Finland and Iceland, tend to have higher IQ scores, raising questions about the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature, on cognitive development and intelligence levels. However, countries with warmer climates, like Cambodia and Vietnam have moderate IQ scores of 97 and 91 respectively.
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