Average IQ in Lebanon: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
82
Global Ranking
#75
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 Lebanon
Lebanon has a historically strong but deeply unequal education system, with a mix of public schools, private secular schools, and religious institutions teaching in Arabic, French, or English. The country has traditionally produced many well-educated professionals who work internationally. However, Lebanon's economic collapse since 2019 and decades of political instability have severely damaged the education system, leading to teacher strikes, school closures, and mass emigration of educators. The country faces a generation-defining education crisis.
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.
Lebanon Compared to Middle East
Middle East IQ Comparison
Here is how Lebanon compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 82 | #75 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 |
| Jordan | 84 | #74 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| Kuwait | 86 | #76 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Lebanon:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armenia | 90 | #65 | Europe |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 | Middle East |
| Kazakhstan | 89 | #67 | Central Asia |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 | Southeast Asia |
| Mongolia | 101 | #68 | East 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 82 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 Lebanon?
Lebanon's average IQ is estimated at 82, ranking #75 globally. Lebanon has traditionally had one of the stronger university systems in the Arab world, though the ongoing economic crisis has severely disrupted educational delivery.
Why does Lebanon score 82 on average IQ?
Lebanon's score reflects a historically strong private education sector and university tradition alongside profound inequality between privileged private school students and underfunded public school students. The economic collapse since 2019 has worsened these disparities, with teacher emigration and school deterioration accelerating.
How does Lebanon compare to Jordan?
Lebanon (82) scores similarly to Jordan (84). Lebanon has historically had higher university quality through institutions like the American University of Beirut, while Jordan has achieved more consistent basic education access. Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis threatens to significantly widen the gap.
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.