Average IQ in Kazakhstan: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
89
Global Ranking
#67
out of ~199 countries
Region
Central 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 Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has made substantial investments in education as part of its modernization agenda, including the establishment of Nazarbayev University, a world-class research institution modeled on leading global universities. The country has near-universal literacy and has reformed its school curriculum to emphasize trilingual education (Kazakh, Russian, and English). Kazakhstan participates in PISA and has shown steady improvement. The government has sent thousands of students abroad through the Bolashak scholarship program.
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.
Kazakhstan Compared to Central Asia
Central Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Kazakhstan compares to other countries in Central Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | 89 | #67 |
| Uzbekistan | 87 | #107 |
| Turkmenistan | 87 | #108 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 75 | #109 |
| Tajikistan | 75 | #110 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Kazakhstan:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slovakia | 96 | #57 | Europe |
| Iceland | 98 | #58 | Europe |
| Latvia | 97 | #59 | Europe |
| Greece | 92 | #60 | Europe |
| Lithuania | 97 | #60 | Europe |
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 Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan's average IQ is estimated at 89, ranking #67 globally. The country has made significant strides in education reform and international educational engagement through programs like Bolashak scholarships.
Why does Kazakhstan score 89 on average IQ?
Kazakhstan benefits from near-universal literacy, a Soviet-era STEM education base, and strong government investment in education modernization. Trilingual education reforms and world-class institutions like Nazarbayev University are raising standards, though rural and regional quality gaps persist.
How does Kazakhstan compare to Russia?
Kazakhstan (89) scores below Russia (97). Both share Soviet educational heritage, but Russia's larger and more established research university system, greater economic resources, and decades more experience with post-Soviet education reform have produced higher average cognitive 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.