Average IQ in Oman: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#79
out of ~199 countries
Region
Middle East
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 Oman
Oman's education system has expanded dramatically since the 1970s, when the country had very few schools. Sultan Qaboos bin Said made education a national priority, building a comprehensive system from near scratch over five decades. The country now has near-universal primary enrollment and a growing university sector anchored by Sultan Qaboos University. Oman's Vision 2040 emphasizes developing human capital to reduce oil dependence, with strong focus on STEM, technical education, and Omanization of the workforce.
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.
Oman Compared to Middle East
Middle East IQ Comparison
Here is how Oman compares to other countries in Middle East that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Oman | 84 | #79 |
| Israel | 95 | #45 |
| Azerbaijan | 87 | #66 |
| Jordan | 84 | #74 |
| Turkey | 90 | #75 |
| Lebanon | 82 | #75 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Oman:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 78 | #69 | South Asia |
| Sri Lanka | 91 | #70 | South Asia |
| Bangladesh | 82 | #71 | South Asia |
| Myanmar | 87 | #72 | Southeast Asia |
| Cambodia | 91 | #73 | Southeast Asia |
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 84 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 Oman?
Oman's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #79 globally. The country has achieved remarkable educational expansion over five decades from very low initial literacy levels.
Why does Oman score 84 on average IQ?
Oman's score reflects impressive educational infrastructure development from a very low base since the 1970s. Near-universal enrollment and improving literacy rates indicate progress, while ongoing curriculum challenges around rote learning and limited higher education capacity constrain further advancement.
How does Oman compare to Saudi Arabia?
Oman and Saudi Arabia share an average IQ of 84 and have followed similar paths of using oil revenues to build education systems from limited foundations. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Oman's Vision 2040 both represent ambitious reform programs aimed at developing knowledge economies.
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.