Average IQ in Costa Rica: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
89
Global Ranking
#122
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 Costa Rica
Costa Rica is exceptional in Central America for having abolished its military in 1948 and redirected spending to education and healthcare. The country has one of the region's highest literacy rates (97%) and most consistent education systems. Costa Rica was the first Latin American country to participate in PISA and has scored above the Latin American average. The country provides 12 years of free public education and invests around 7-8% of GDP in education. Challenges include urban-rural quality disparities and teacher strikes, but overall Costa Rica consistently outperforms its Central American neighbors in educational outcomes.
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.
Costa Rica Compared to South America
South America IQ Comparison
Here is how Costa Rica compares to other countries in South America that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 89 | #122 |
| Argentina | 93 | #55 |
| Colombia | 89 | #85 |
| Bolivia | 87 | #89 |
| Ecuador | 89 | #90 |
| Peru | 85 | #91 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Costa Rica:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 86 | #112 | Middle East |
| Fiji | 84 | #112 | Oceania |
| Timor-Leste | 85 | #113 | Southeast Asia |
| Laos | 89 | #114 | Southeast Asia |
| Brunei | 97 | #115 | Southeast 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 89 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 Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's average IQ is estimated at 89, ranking #122 globally. Costa Rica is Central America's education leader, with 97% literacy and consistent investment following its 1948 abolition of the military.
Why does Costa Rica score 89 on average IQ?
Costa Rica's relatively strong score reflects seven decades of prioritizing education since abolishing the military in 1948, 7-8% of GDP investment in education, near-universal literacy at 97%, 12 years of free public schooling, and the political stability that allows long-term educational planning. The country's consistent outperformance of regional peers reflects sustained institutional commitment to human capital development.
How does Costa Rica compare to Panama?
Costa Rica (89) scores similarly to Panama (84). Both are Central American nations with relatively stronger education systems than their northern neighbors. Costa Rica has a longer tradition of education investment since abolishing its military, while Panama's greater per-capita income from the Canal Zone has funded education differently, with both countries achieving above-regional-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.