Average IQ in Azerbaijan: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
87
Global Ranking
#66
out of ~199 countries
Region
Middle East
Important note: National average IQ scores are estimates based on limited sample sizes and vary across studies. These figures are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and testing conditions. They do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual from that country. IQ scores measure specific cognitive skills and should be interpreted within their proper scientific context.
Education System in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has used oil revenues to invest substantially in education infrastructure since the early 2000s. The country has near-universal literacy and has been building new schools and modernizing university facilities. Azerbaijan participates in PISA and has shown improvement, though scores remain below OECD averages. The government has sent thousands of students abroad on state scholarships. Challenges include curriculum modernization, reducing rote learning, and addressing quality gaps between Baku and rural regions.
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
Azerbaijan Compared to Middle East
Here is how Azerbaijan compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Jordan | 84 | #74 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| Lebanon | 82 | #75 |
| Kuwait | 86 | #76 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Azerbaijan:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serbia | 91 | #56 | Europe |
| Slovakia | 96 | #57 | Europe |
| Iceland | 98 | #58 | Europe |
| Latvia | 97 | #59 | Europe |
| Greece | 92 | #60 | Europe |
Understanding IQ Distribution
It's crucial to remember that national averages represent the middle of a wide distribution. Within every country, individual IQ scores span the full range from below 70 to above 130 and beyond. A country with an average IQ of 87 will have many individuals scoring well above and below that number. Factors like socioeconomic status, nutrition, education quality, and access to healthcare play significant roles in cognitive development and test performance.
The Flynn Effect — the observation that IQ scores have risen substantially over time in many countries — suggests that environmental improvements like better nutrition, healthcare, and education access can significantly impact cognitive test performance at the population level. Many developing nations are experiencing rapid improvements in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan's average IQ is estimated at 87, ranking #66 globally. The country has been investing oil revenues in education modernization and infrastructure improvements.
Why does Azerbaijan score 87 on average IQ?
Azerbaijan's score reflects its post-Soviet educational base, oil-funded infrastructure investments, and near-universal literacy. Ongoing challenges include transitioning from memorization-based learning to critical thinking, regional quality disparities between Baku and rural areas, and updating curricula to international standards.
How does Azerbaijan compare to Georgia?
Azerbaijan and Georgia share an average IQ of 87 and similar post-Soviet educational contexts. Azerbaijan's greater oil wealth has funded more infrastructure investment, while Georgia has pursued more structural curriculum reforms with EU alignment assistance.
Explore More Countries
See the full list of all countries on our Average IQ by Country page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.