Average IQ in Bangladesh: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~82
Rank in This Dataset
#71
of 125 countries covered
Region
South Asia
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 Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh'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 Bangladesh
Bangladesh has achieved remarkable gains in education over the past three decades, nearly eliminating gender gaps in primary and secondary enrollment. The country introduced stipend programs for girls in the 1990s that dramatically increased female attendance. Literacy rates have risen significantly, though quality remains a challenge. Bangladesh faces high rates of child labor in rural areas and urban slums. The expansion of microfinance and economic growth have increased family investment in children's education.
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.
Bangladesh Compared to South Asia
South Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Bangladesh compares to other countries in South Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 82 | #71 |
| Nepal | 78 | #69 |
| Sri Lanka | 91 | #70 |
| Pakistan | 84 | #132 |
| India | 82 | #143 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Bangladesh:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia | 99 | #61 | Europe |
| Belarus | 95 | #62 | Europe |
| Moldova | 86 | #63 | Europe |
| Georgia | 87 | #64 | Europe |
| Armenia | 90 | #65 | 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 82 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 Bangladesh?
Bangladesh's average IQ is estimated at 82, ranking #71 globally. The country has made significant educational progress, particularly in achieving gender parity in enrollment, though quality improvements are ongoing.
Why does Bangladesh score 82 on average IQ?
Bangladesh's score reflects improvements in education access and gender parity alongside persistent challenges including high rates of child labor, large class sizes, low teacher salaries, and poverty-driven dropout rates. The country's progress in expanding access has outpaced quality improvements.
How does Bangladesh compare to Pakistan?
Bangladesh (82) scores similarly to Pakistan (84). Bangladesh has achieved better gender parity in education, while Pakistan has higher per-capita income but more significant gender gaps in schooling. Both countries face similar challenges in translating access expansion into quality improvements.
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.