Top 10 African Countries With The Highest Average IQ, 2024

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a measure of a person’s cognitive ability, which has been the subject of much research and debate over the years. Africa, as a continent, has a rich history and culture, but has also faced many challenges including poverty, disease, and conflict. Despite this, there are many highly intelligent individuals from various African countries who have made significant contributions to their fields. In this article, we will explore the top 10 African countries with the highest average IQ, based on the latest available data from 2024.

Studies have shown that intelligence levels in Africa are similar to those in other parts of the world, and that cultural and environmental factors play a significant role in determining intellectual achievement. However, access to education and other resources can vary greatly across the continent, which can affect overall intelligence levels.

According to data gotten from Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen, citizens of Sierra Leone have the highest IQ in Africa, making them the smartest in Africa, they are closely followed by Mauritius, Seychelles, Eritrea and Morocco.

Nigeria the giant of Africa was ranked the 6th Country in Africa with the highest average IQ.

Equitorial Guinea on the other hand was ranked as the Country with the lowest IQ in Africa

These numbers came from a work carried out from 2002 to 2006 by Richard Lynn, a British Professor of Psychology, and Tatu Vanhanen, a Finnish Professor of Political Science, who conducted IQ studies in more than 80 countries.

Richard and Tatu argues that differences in national income are correlated with differences in the average national intelligence quotient (IQ). They further argue that differences in average national IQs constitute one important factor, but not the only one, contributing to differences in national wealth and rates of economic growth.

Note: These result of the 10 African Countries With The Highest Average IQ is controversial and have caused much debate, they must be interpreted with extreme caution.

Top 10 African Countries With The Highest Average IQ, 2024

Top 10 Countries With The Highest Average IQ in the World

Asia and Europe dominate the list, with Hong kong taking the top spot. Singapore and Japan comes in an impressive second. Europe has over five nations in the top ten – Italy in fifth, Switzerland in sixth, Austria, Luxemborg, Norway, UK, Belgium and Netherlands in seventh, Belgium in eight and the finland in eighth. The list below proves that Asia truly is the future.

Top 10 Countries in the World with the Highest Average IQ

Methodology & Conclusion

Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen created estimates of average IQs for 113 nations. They estimated IQs of 79 other nations based on neighboring nations or by other methods. They also created an estimate of “quality of human conditions” for each nation based on gross national product per capita, adult literacy rate, fraction of the population to enroll in secondary education, life expectancy, and rate of democratization. After finding a substantial correlation between the national IQ scores they created and these various socioeconomic factors. Their concluded that national IQ influences these measures of well-being, and that national differences in IQ are heavily influenced by genetics, although they also allow for some environmental contributions to it. They regard nutrition as the most important environmental factor, and education a secondary factor.

Sources:
IQ and the Wealth of Nations 
IQ and Global Inequality
Studies of national cognitive ability 

Disclaimer: The average IQ scores mentioned in the article above are derived from various studies and sources, but it is important to note that intelligence is a complex trait influenced by various factors. IQ scores alone do not provide a comprehensive measure of a country’s intellectual capabilities or potential. Additionally, it is crucial to approach such rankings with caution, as they can be influenced by various socio-economic, cultural, and educational factors that may not be fully captured by IQ tests. The purpose of this article is to provide general information and should not be interpreted as an absolute indicator of intelligence or the overall intellectual capacity of any particular African country.

Modified in November, 2024