Average IQ in Brazil: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
87
Global Ranking
#105
out of ~199 countries
Region
South America
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 Brazil
Brazil has the largest education system in Latin America, serving over 50 million students. The Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program significantly increased school attendance among low-income families. However, Brazil faces enormous challenges in education quality, with wide disparities between wealthy southeastern states and poorer northern and northeastern regions. PISA scores remain well below the OECD average. Brazil spends a relatively high percentage of GDP on education but struggles with efficiency.
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.
Brazil Compared to South America
Here is how Brazil compares to other countries in South America that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 87 | #105 |
| Argentina | 93 | #55 |
| Colombia | 89 | #85 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Brazil:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 87 | #106 | North America |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 | Southeast Asia |
| UAE | 86 | #112 | Middle East |
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 Brazil?
Brazil's average IQ is estimated at 87, ranking #105 globally. This score reflects challenges in education quality across the country's vast and socioeconomically diverse population of over 210 million.
Why does Brazil score lower than some poorer countries?
Despite being a large economy, Brazil has extreme income inequality and vast regional disparities in education quality. The northeast and north regions have significantly lower educational outcomes than the south and southeast, pulling down the national average.
How does Brazil compare to Argentina?
Brazil (87) scores below Argentina (93). Argentina's smaller, more urbanized population, historically stronger public university system, and higher literacy rates contribute to the difference.
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.