Average IQ in Cambodia: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~91
Rank in This Dataset
#73
of 125 countries covered
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.
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 Cambodia 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 Cambodia'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 Cambodia
Cambodia's education system is one of the most remarkable recovery stories in the world. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) systematically destroyed educational infrastructure and killed or forced into exile most educated citizens. From that devastating baseline, Cambodia has rebuilt its education system over four decades, achieving significant increases in enrollment and literacy. International NGO support has been substantial. Quality remains a challenge, with low teacher salaries contributing to high rates of private tutoring dependence.
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.
Cambodia Compared to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Cambodia compares to other countries in Southeast Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia | 91 | #73 |
| Vietnam | 94 | #50 |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 |
| Myanmar | 87 | #72 |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 |
| Timor-Leste | 85 | #113 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Cambodia:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldova | 86 | #63 | Europe |
| Georgia | 87 | #64 | Europe |
| Armenia | 90 | #65 | Europe |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 | Middle East |
| Kazakhstan | 89 | #67 | 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 91 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 Cambodia?
Cambodia's average IQ is estimated at 91, ranking #73 globally. Given the devastating destruction of the education system under the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia's recovery to this level represents a significant achievement.
Why does Cambodia score 91 on average IQ?
Cambodia's score reflects both the resilience of its education recovery and remaining structural challenges. Near-universal primary enrollment and growing secondary attendance have improved outcomes, though low teacher salaries, rote learning practices, and limited higher education access constrain further development.
How does Cambodia compare to Vietnam?
Cambodia (91) scores below Vietnam (94), though both are Southeast Asian nations with similar recent histories of conflict recovery. Vietnam's more sustained investment in education quality and stronger cultural emphasis on academic achievement have produced somewhat better average outcomes.
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.