Average IQ in Mongolia: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
101
Global Ranking
#68
out of ~199 countries
Region
East 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 Mongolia
Mongolia has a remarkably high literacy rate of over 98%, a legacy of Soviet-era mass education campaigns. The education system provides 12 years of compulsory schooling, and Mongolia has a surprisingly high proportion of adults with tertiary education. The country faces unique challenges in delivering education to nomadic populations, addressed through boarding schools (ger schools) and distance learning programs. Mongolia performs well on international assessments for its income level, reflecting a strong cultural value placed on education.
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.
Mongolia Compared to East Asia
East Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Mongolia compares to other countries in East Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mongolia | 101 | #68 |
| Japan | 106 | #1 |
| South Korea | 106 | #2 |
| China | 105 | #3 |
| Taiwan | 104 | #4 |
| Singapore | 108 | #5 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Mongolia:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | 98 | #58 | Europe |
| Latvia | 97 | #59 | Europe |
| Greece | 92 | #60 | Europe |
| Lithuania | 97 | #60 | Europe |
| Estonia | 99 | #61 | 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 101 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 Mongolia?
Mongolia's average IQ is estimated at 101, ranking #68 globally. This is a notably high score for a developing country and reflects the Soviet-era educational legacy and strong cultural emphasis on learning.
Why does Mongolia score 101 on average IQ?
Mongolia's high score reflects near-universal literacy, a strong Soviet-era educational infrastructure, high tertiary enrollment rates, and a culture that deeply values education. The country's proximity to and historical ties with China and Russia, both high-scoring nations, may also reflect shared educational influences.
How does Mongolia compare to China?
Mongolia (101) scores nearly as high as China (105). Mongolia's score is remarkable given its much lower GDP, and reflects the effectiveness of its Soviet-modeled education system and strong cultural emphasis on academic achievement across a largely nomadic historical population.
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.