Average IQ in Bahrain: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#78
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 Bahrain
Bahrain has one of the most developed education systems in the Gulf, with free government schooling for citizens and a growing private sector. The country has near-universal literacy among nationals and a well-established university system. Bahrain Polytechnic and the University of Bahrain are key institutions. The small island nation has positioned itself as a regional education hub, attracting students from neighboring Gulf countries. The government has implemented curriculum reforms emphasizing STEM and critical thinking.
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.
Bahrain Compared to Middle East
Middle East IQ Comparison
Here is how Bahrain compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | 84 | #78 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 |
| Jordan | 84 | #74 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| Lebanon | 82 | #75 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Bahrain:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 91 | #68 | Southeast Asia |
| Mongolia | 101 | #68 | East Asia |
| Nepal | 78 | #69 | South Asia |
| Sri Lanka | 91 | #70 | South Asia |
| Bangladesh | 82 | #71 | South Asia |
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 84 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 Bahrain?
Bahrain's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #78 globally. As one of the Gulf's smaller states, Bahrain has developed a relatively well-organized education system supported by government oil revenues.
Why does Bahrain score 84 on average IQ?
Bahrain's score reflects its free government education for nationals, near-universal literacy, and ongoing curriculum modernization. Like other Gulf states, Bahrain has a large expatriate population that influences national averages, and challenges include transitioning from memorization-based to inquiry-based learning.
How does Bahrain compare to Kuwait?
Bahrain (84) scores similarly to Kuwait (86). Both are small Gulf states with oil-funded education systems. Kuwait's greater oil wealth has allowed marginally higher education investment, while Bahrain has pursued regional positioning as an education hub more actively.
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.