Average IQ in Paraguay: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#124
out of ~199 countries
Region
South America
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 Paraguay
Paraguay is distinctive for its bilingual Spanish-Guaraní population, with the majority of Paraguayans speaking Guaraní as a primary language. In 1992, Paraguay formalized a bilingual education system incorporating both languages, one of few countries to institutionalize an Indigenous language in public education at scale. However, education quality remains low, with significant dropout rates at secondary level, underfunded schools, and persistent rural-urban disparities. Paraguay has one of South America's youngest populations and has struggled to expand education resources to match demographic growth. Adult literacy stands at around 94%, but learning quality is significantly below literacy rates suggest.
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.
Paraguay Compared to South America
South America IQ Comparison
Here is how Paraguay compares to other countries in South America that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Paraguay | 84 | #124 |
| Argentina | 93 | #55 |
| Colombia | 89 | #85 |
| Bolivia | 87 | #89 |
| Ecuador | 89 | #90 |
| Peru | 85 | #91 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Paraguay:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos | 89 | #114 | Southeast Asia |
| Brunei | 97 | #115 | Southeast Asia |
| Haiti | 67 | #116 | Caribbean |
| Dominican Republic | 82 | #117 | Caribbean |
| Guatemala | 79 | #118 | South America |
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 Paraguay?
Paraguay's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #124 globally. Paraguay is notable for its bilingual Spanish-Guaraní education system, one of the most significant institutionalizations of an Indigenous language in public education in the Americas.
Why does Paraguay score 84 on average IQ?
Paraguay's score reflects its bilingual education system that, while innovative, creates implementation challenges in maintaining quality across two languages, significant secondary dropout rates, underfunded schools struggling to serve a rapidly growing young population, rural-urban quality disparities, and economic constraints as one of South America's less developed economies.
How does Paraguay compare to Uruguay?
Paraguay (84) scores below Uruguay (96). Both are South American nations sharing borders, but Uruguay has historically invested far more in education, has a smaller and more urban population, achieves consistently better PISA scores, and has a stronger tradition of free public higher education. Uruguay's early adoption of universal public education in the 19th century created a foundation that Paraguay, with its larger Indigenous and rural population, has not matched.
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.