Average IQ in Bahrain: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~84
Rank in This Dataset
#78
of 125 countries covered
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.
Where These Numbers Come From — and Why They're Debated
There is no official global IQ census. National IQ figures like the one above come from compiled cross-national datasets — most famously the compilations begun by Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen (IQ and the Wealth of Nations, 2002) and successor datasets, alongside alternative estimates derived from international student assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. These compilations are heavily debated in the academic literature: critics have documented small and unrepresentative samples for many countries, scores extrapolated from neighboring nations, mixing of different tests and decades, and translation and cultural-fit problems. Different datasets can shift a country's estimate — and its rank — by several points.
For these reasons, the figure for Bahrain should be read as a rough estimate of average performance on Western-style cognitive tests under the conditions in which the underlying samples were collected — not as a measure of the innate ability or potential of Bahrain's people. Population-level test averages track education access, childhood nutrition, health, and economic development, and they change as those conditions change (see the Flynn Effect below).
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
Editorial team focused on cognitive testing & psychometrics research
Last updated
May 10, 2026
MyIQScores content is written and maintained by our editorial team using published research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics as its source base. We label estimates as estimates, link primary sources where available, correct errors when readers flag them, and update pages as research or feedback warrants — see our corrections policy.