Average IQ in Sri Lanka: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
91
Global Ranking
#70
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 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stands out in South Asia for its exceptionally high literacy rate of around 92%, one of the highest in the developing world. The country introduced free education from primary through university in 1947, decades before most developing nations. Compulsory education runs through grade 9, and Sri Lanka has near-universal primary enrollment. The country performs significantly above its income level on education indicators, though ethnic conflict disrupted schooling in northern and eastern regions during the civil war era.
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.
Sri Lanka Compared to South Asia
South Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Sri Lanka compares to other countries in South Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 91 | #70 |
| Nepal | 78 | #69 |
| Bangladesh | 82 | #71 |
| Pakistan | 84 | #132 |
| India | 82 | #143 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Sri Lanka:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | 92 | #60 | Europe |
| Lithuania | 97 | #60 | Europe |
| Estonia | 99 | #61 | Europe |
| Belarus | 95 | #62 | Europe |
| Moldova | 86 | #63 | 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 91 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 Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's average IQ is estimated at 91, ranking #70 globally. This is a high score for a developing country, consistent with Sri Lanka's exceptional literacy rates and long history of free public education.
Why does Sri Lanka score 91 on average IQ?
Sri Lanka's strong performance reflects its early introduction of free universal education in 1947, near-universal primary enrollment, one of Asia's highest literacy rates, and a strong cultural emphasis on education. These foundations have produced cognitive outcomes well above what the country's income level would predict.
How does Sri Lanka compare to India?
Sri Lanka (91) scores significantly above India (82) despite having a smaller economy. Sri Lanka's free universal education system, higher literacy rates, and more equitable education access across the population produce considerably stronger average cognitive 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.