Average IQ in Iran: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#131
out of ~199 countries
Region
Middle East
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 Iran
Iran has a well-developed education system with near-universal literacy and one of the highest rates of female university enrollment in the Middle East — over 50% of university students are women. The country has strong traditions in mathematics and science, and Iranian students perform well in international science olympiads. However, economic sanctions, brain drain, and political constraints on academic freedom present ongoing 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.
Iran Compared to Middle East
Here is how Iran compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | 84 | #131 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| UAE | 86 | #112 |
| Saudi Arabia | 84 | #133 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Iran:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 84 | #130 | Southeast Asia |
| Pakistan | 84 | #132 | South Asia |
| Saudi Arabia | 84 | #133 | Middle East |
| Egypt | 83 | #135 | 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 84 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 Iran?
Iran's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #131 globally. Despite this moderate score, Iran has strong traditions in mathematics and science and produces competitive olympiad participants.
How does Iran's education compare to its regional peers?
Iran has higher literacy rates and university enrollment than many Middle Eastern and South Asian neighbors. Its emphasis on science and math education produces strong results in international competitions, even as broader population averages remain moderate.
Why does Iran have high female education rates?
Iran has invested heavily in women's education, with over 50% of university students being female. This is one of the highest rates in the Middle East and reflects the country's emphasis on education as a path to social mobility.
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.