Average IQ in Moldova: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
86
Global Ranking
#63
out of ~199 countries
Region
Europe
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 Moldova
Moldova, Europe's smallest and poorest country by GDP, faces significant education challenges despite a Soviet-era legacy of near-universal literacy. Compulsory education runs through grade 9, and the country has a network of universities despite its small size. Moldova suffers from extreme brain drain, losing a large proportion of its educated population to emigration. Rural school consolidation has reduced access in some areas, and teacher salaries are very low. EU-linked reforms are slowly modernizing the curriculum.
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.
Moldova Compared to Europe
Europe IQ Comparison
Here is how Moldova compares to other countries in Europe that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Moldova | 86 | #63 |
| Netherlands | 101 | #10 |
| Switzerland | 101 | #11 |
| Finland | 101 | #12 |
| Germany | 100 | #15 |
| United Kingdom | 100 | #16 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Moldova:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romania | 91 | #53 | Europe |
| Croatia | 96 | #54 | Europe |
| Argentina | 93 | #55 | South America |
| Bulgaria | 91 | #55 | Europe |
| Serbia | 91 | #56 | 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 86 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 Moldova?
Moldova's average IQ is estimated at 86, ranking #63 globally. As Europe's poorest country, Moldova faces significant economic constraints on education quality despite a Soviet literacy legacy.
Why does Moldova score 86 on average IQ?
Moldova's relatively lower score for a European country reflects extreme poverty, heavy emigration of educated citizens, underfunded schools with very low teacher salaries, and rural school closures. These economic constraints limit the educational investment needed to build on the country's Soviet literacy foundation.
How does Moldova compare to Romania?
Moldova (86) scores below Romania (91). Both countries share Romanian language and cultural ties, but Romania's larger economy, EU membership, and greater resources for education investment have allowed it to achieve significantly better 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.