Average IQ in Myanmar: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
87
Global Ranking
#72
out of ~199 countries
Region
Southeast 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 Myanmar
Myanmar's education system has experienced significant disruption due to decades of military rule and the 2021 military coup. The country has near-universal primary enrollment but faces significant quality challenges. Teacher-centered, rote-learning approaches have been dominant, and curriculum reform efforts launched during the democratic transition were interrupted. Literacy rates are improving but remain below regional peers. Ethnic minority communities face additional barriers to quality education in their own languages.
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.
Myanmar Compared to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Myanmar compares to other countries in Southeast Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Myanmar | 87 | #72 |
| Vietnam | 94 | #50 |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 |
| Cambodia | 91 | #73 |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 |
| Timor-Leste | 85 | #113 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Myanmar:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus | 95 | #62 | Europe |
| Moldova | 86 | #63 | Europe |
| Georgia | 87 | #64 | Europe |
| Armenia | 90 | #65 | Europe |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 | Middle East |
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 87 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 Myanmar?
Myanmar's average IQ is estimated at 87, ranking #72 globally. The country has significant human capital potential constrained by political instability and education system disruptions.
Why does Myanmar score 87 on average IQ?
Myanmar's score reflects improving literacy rates and near-universal primary enrollment alongside major constraints: rote-learning pedagogies, low education spending, political disruption to reform efforts, and limited resources for secondary and tertiary education. The 2021 coup significantly set back modernization efforts.
How does Myanmar compare to Thailand?
Myanmar (87) scores below Thailand (91). Both are mainland Southeast Asian nations, but Thailand's significantly higher income level, greater political stability, and longer history of education investment have produced better and more consistent 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.