Average IQ in Pakistan: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#132
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 Pakistan
Pakistan faces significant educational challenges, with an estimated 22 million children out of school — the second-highest number globally. There are large gender disparities, particularly in rural areas where girls' enrollment drops sharply after primary school. The country has a parallel system of government schools, private schools, and madrassas (religious schools) with varying quality. Pakistan's literacy rate of about 58% is among the lowest in Asia, though urban areas and younger generations show improvement.
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.
Pakistan Compared to South Asia
Here is how Pakistan compares to other countries in South Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 84 | #132 |
| India | 82 | #143 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Pakistan:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 84 | #130 | Southeast Asia |
| Iran | 84 | #131 | Middle East |
| Saudi Arabia | 84 | #133 | Middle East |
| Egypt | 83 | #135 | Africa |
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 Pakistan?
Pakistan's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #132 globally. The score reflects significant challenges in educational access, with millions of children out of school and low overall literacy rates.
What are Pakistan's biggest education challenges?
Pakistan's primary challenges include approximately 22 million out-of-school children, significant gender disparities in enrollment, low literacy rates (about 58%), inadequate school infrastructure in rural areas, and a fragmented system of government, private, and religious schools.
How does Pakistan compare to India?
Pakistan (84) scores slightly above India (82), though both countries face enormous challenges in providing quality education to vast populations. India has higher overall enrollment rates and literacy, but Pakistan's smaller population makes targeted interventions more feasible.
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.