Average IQ in Mali: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
69
Global Ranking
#102
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 Mali
Mali has one of the lowest education indicators in the world. School enrollment rates, particularly for girls, are very low, and adult literacy stands at around 35% — one of the lowest globally. The education system uses French as the medium of instruction, which is not spoken at home by the vast majority of students. Northern Mali has been severely affected by Tuareg rebellions and Islamist insurgency since 2012, causing mass school closures and displacement. Nomadic and pastoralist communities have particularly poor access to formal schooling. Malnutrition is widespread and severely affects child cognitive development.
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.
Mali Compared to Africa
Africa IQ Comparison
Here is how Mali compares to other countries in Africa that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mali | 69 | #102 |
| 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 Mali:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | 90 | #92 | South America |
| Venezuela | 84 | #93 | South America |
| Cuba | 85 | #94 | Caribbean |
| Jamaica | 71 | #95 | Caribbean |
| Sudan | 71 | #96 | 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 69 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 Mali?
Mali's average IQ is estimated at 69, ranking #102 globally. The country has one of the lowest adult literacy rates in the world at around 35%, reflecting severe educational underdevelopment.
Why does Mali have a low average IQ?
Mali's score reflects extremely low school enrollment rates (especially for girls), French-medium instruction inaccessible to most students, widespread malnutrition severely affecting cognitive development, ongoing Sahel insurgency closing schools in northern regions, nomadic populations with limited sedentary schooling access, and one of the world's lowest adult literacy rates.
How does Mali compare to Niger?
Mali (69) scores similarly to Niger (69). Both Sahel countries are among the world's poorest and have some of the lowest education indicators globally, with French-medium instruction, low female enrollment, high malnutrition rates, and ongoing security challenges in their northern territories severely limiting educational 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.