According to the 2024 data from the World Population Review, these are the top 10 countries with the lowest average IQ scores globally.
According to moneycontrol.com, this list offers insights into factors influencing IQ scores across different regions, considering variables such as education, healthcare access, and socio-economic conditions.
NEPAL
Nepal has the lowest average IQ of 42.99, largely due to poverty, lack of proper nutrition, under resourced schools and political instability affecting eduction and cognitive development.
LIBERIA
With an average IQ of 45.07, Liberia faces challenges from civil war, poverty and malnutrition, which disrut access to quality education and healthcare for cognitive growth.
SIERRA LEONE
Sierra Leone’s average IQ of 45.07 results from civil war, Ebola and poverty, which led to limited access to education, malnutrition and healthcare disruptions.
GUATEMALA
Guatemala has an average IG of 47.72, hindered by poverty, malnutrition and lack of education resources, especially in rural areas, where schools are often underfunded.
GAMBIA
The Gambia’s average IQ of 52.98 is affected by poverty, malnutrition, and an underfunded education system, with cultural views sometimes depriotizing formal schooling.
NICARAGUA
With an average IQ of 52.69, Nicaragua suffers from poverty and unemployment, leading children to work instead of attending poorly resourced schools, especially in rural areas.
GUINEA
Guinea has an average IQ of 53.48 due to poverty, malnutrition and underdeveloped education system, alongside cultural factors that affect access to formal schooling.
GHANA
Ghana’s average IQ of 58.16 is influnced by poverty and disparities between urban and rural education systems, despite improvements in schooling resources in recent years.
IVORY COAST
Ivory Coast has an average IQ of 58.16 . Widespread poverty, malnutrition and underfunded schools, especially in rural areas, contribute to its low IQ.
SOUTH SUDAN
South Sudan’s average IQ of 58.16 stems from ongoing conflict, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare, all of which severely impact cognitive development.