Average IQ in Cambodia: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
91
Global Ranking
#73
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 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
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.