Average IQ in Nepal: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
78
Global Ranking
#69
out of ~199 countries
Region
South 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 Nepal
Nepal has made significant progress in expanding education access over recent decades, increasing primary enrollment dramatically. The country declared education a fundamental right in its 2015 constitution. However, Nepal faces challenging geography — mountainous terrain makes school construction and teacher recruitment difficult in remote areas. Literacy rates have improved significantly but remain below South Asian averages. Significant investment from international NGOs supplements government education spending, and remittances from overseas workers fund private school enrollment for many families.
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.
Nepal Compared to South Asia
South Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Nepal compares to other countries in South Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 78 | #69 |
| Sri Lanka | 91 | #70 |
| Bangladesh | 82 | #71 |
| Pakistan | 84 | #132 |
| India | 82 | #143 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Nepal:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | 97 | #59 | Europe |
| Greece | 92 | #60 | Europe |
| Lithuania | 97 | #60 | Europe |
| Estonia | 99 | #61 | Europe |
| Belarus | 95 | #62 | 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 78 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 Nepal?
Nepal's average IQ is estimated at 78, ranking #69 globally. This score reflects the country's significant improvements in education access alongside ongoing challenges related to geography, poverty, and resource constraints.
Why does Nepal score 78 on average IQ?
Nepal's score reflects persistent challenges including mountainous geography limiting school access, low education spending, high rates of child labor in rural areas, and limited availability of qualified teachers in remote regions. Rapid improvements in literacy and enrollment in recent decades have yet to fully translate into higher cognitive test scores.
How does Nepal compare to India?
Nepal (78) scores below India (82). India's larger economy allows for greater education investment, and its leading institutions like the IITs raise the national profile. However, both countries face similar challenges with rural education quality and significant socioeconomic disparities.
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.