Average IQ in Brunei: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
97
Global Ranking
#115
out of ~199 countries
Region
Southeast 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.
Education System in Brunei
Brunei is a small, wealthy oil state with one of the highest per-capita incomes in Southeast Asia. Education is free and compulsory for 12 years, and the government invests heavily in school infrastructure, teacher salaries, and educational technology. The country uses a dual-track system with instruction in both Malay and English. Brunei implemented the Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad Ke-21 (SPN21) education system in 2009, aiming to develop critical thinking and 21st-century skills. The country sends many students abroad for higher education on government scholarships. Brunei's small population allows efficient resource allocation per student.
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.
Brunei Compared to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Brunei compares to other countries in Southeast Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei | 97 | #115 |
| Vietnam | 94 | #50 |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 |
| Myanmar | 87 | #72 |
| Cambodia | 91 | #73 |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Brunei:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 87 | #105 | South America |
| Angola | 68 | #105 | Africa |
| Mexico | 87 | #106 | North America |
| North Korea | 104 | #106 | East Asia |
| Uzbekistan | 87 | #107 | Central 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 97 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 Brunei?
Brunei's average IQ is estimated at 97, ranking #115 globally. The tiny oil-wealthy sultanate invests heavily in education and provides free compulsory schooling for 12 years.
Why does Brunei score 97 on average IQ?
Brunei's relatively high score reflects its oil-funded government investment in quality education infrastructure, free 12-year compulsory schooling, bilingual Malay-English instruction, generous scholarship programs for overseas higher education, and high per-capita income providing excellent nutrition and healthcare. The small population size enables efficient resource allocation per student.
How does Brunei compare to Malaysia?
Brunei (97) scores similarly to Malaysia (92). Both share Malay language and cultural heritage, and both have invested substantially in education. Brunei's greater per-capita oil wealth allows higher per-student investment, while Malaysia's larger, more diverse economy and education system produces slightly more variable outcomes across its larger population.
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.