Average IQ in Cameroon: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
70
Global Ranking
#87
out of ~199 countries
Region
Africa
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 Cameroon
Cameroon has a unique bilingual education system operating in both French and English, a legacy of its shared French and British colonial administration. The country has compulsory schooling through age 12 and has significantly expanded enrollment in recent decades. However, significant disparities exist between the Francophone south and the Anglophone northwest and southwest regions, with the latter facing additional disruption from conflict. Teacher shortages, school infrastructure gaps, and high dropout rates at secondary level are persistent challenges.
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.
Cameroon Compared to Africa
Africa IQ Comparison
Here is how Cameroon compares to other countries in Africa that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | 70 | #87 |
| Morocco | 84 | #80 |
| Algeria | 84 | #81 |
| Tunisia | 83 | #82 |
| Tanzania | 72 | #83 |
| Uganda | 73 | #84 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Cameroon:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 80 | #77 | Middle East |
| Bahrain | 84 | #78 | Middle East |
| Oman | 84 | #79 | Middle East |
| Morocco | 84 | #80 | Africa |
| Algeria | 84 | #81 | Africa |
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 70 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 Cameroon?
Cameroon's average IQ is estimated at 70, ranking #87 globally. The country faces significant educational challenges across its diverse regions and linguistic communities.
Why does Cameroon score 70 on average IQ?
Cameroon's score reflects challenges including conflict disruption in Anglophone regions, teacher shortages, limited school infrastructure particularly in rural areas, high secondary dropout rates, and resource constraints. Managing a bilingual system across diverse regions adds administrative complexity that affects consistency of educational delivery.
How does Cameroon compare to Nigeria?
Cameroon (70) scores below Nigeria (77). Despite being neighbors with similar West/Central African contexts, Nigeria's larger economy provides somewhat more absolute resources for education, though Nigeria also faces significant quality and access challenges 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.