Average IQ in Côte d'Ivoire: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
71
Global Ranking
#85
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 Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) has worked to rebuild its education system after years of political instability and civil conflict in the 2000s and early 2010s. The country uses French as the language of instruction, a legacy of French colonial rule. Primary enrollment has improved significantly, but secondary and tertiary enrollment remain lower than regional goals. Teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas, and limited school infrastructure outside major cities like Abidjan are primary challenges for improving educational quality.
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.
Côte d'Ivoire Compared to Africa
Africa IQ Comparison
Here is how Côte d'Ivoire compares to other countries in Africa that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Côte d'Ivoire | 71 | #85 |
| 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 Côte d'Ivoire:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 90 | #75 | Middle East |
| Lebanon | 82 | #75 | Middle East |
| Kuwait | 86 | #76 | Middle East |
| Qatar | 80 | #77 | Middle East |
| Bahrain | 84 | #78 | Middle East |
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 71 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 Côte d'Ivoire?
Côte d'Ivoire's average IQ is estimated at 71, ranking #85 globally. The country is in a period of education recovery and expansion following years of political instability.
Why does Côte d'Ivoire score 71 on average IQ?
Côte d'Ivoire's score reflects the lasting impact of civil conflict on education infrastructure, ongoing challenges with teacher recruitment in rural areas, relatively low secondary enrollment rates, and limited resources for educational modernization. Economic growth since political stabilization is enabling gradual improvement.
How does Côte d'Ivoire compare to Ghana?
Côte d'Ivoire (71) scores similarly to Ghana (73). Both are West African nations with cocoa-based economies and French/English colonial educational legacies respectively. Ghana has invested more consistently in education through programs like Free SHS, contributing to its slightly stronger 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.