Uzbekistan rises in global IQ ranking

The International IQ Registry, which evaluates average intelligence quotient (IQ) scores globally, is based on data collected from over 1.4 million participants who took a standardized test in 2024. The rankings, updated annually on January 1, provide insights into regional and national cognitive performance levels.

China topped the list with an average IQ of 107.43, followed by Iran (106.63) and South Korea (106.57). Gabon ranked last with an average IQ of 85.56. The global average IQ is 100.

Among Central Asian nations, Kazakhstan ranked 66th with an average IQ of 97.27, Kyrgyzstan 84th (95.0), and Tajikistan 96th (93.75). No data was available for Turkmenistan.

Researchers highlighted various factors that affect a nation's average IQ:

• Infectious Diseases: A 2010 study revealed a correlation between high rates of infectious diseases and lower IQ scores, as such illnesses negatively impact cognitive development.
• Nutrition: According to a 2025 study, children with healthier eating habits tend to achieve higher IQ scores compared to their peers.
• Intellectual Activities: Regular engagement in activities like playing chess has been shown to boost IQ, as evidenced by a 2022 study. Similarly, bilingual children scored higher on IQ tests than monolingual children, according to a 1962 study.
• Genetics: Research conducted in 2013 on over a thousand twins indicated that IQ is 50-80% influenced by genetic factors.

Countries with higher average IQ scores tend to have well-developed healthcare systems, promote healthy eating habits, and encourage participation in intellectual activities. These factors collectively contribute to better cognitive outcomes for their populations.

In Uzbekistan, 8,986 individuals participated in the 2024 IQ test, reflecting growing interest in intellectual assessments and advancements in education and healthcare.