Average IQ in Turkmenistan: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~87
Rank in This Dataset
#108
of 125 countries covered
Region
Central 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.
Where These Numbers Come From — and Why They're Debated
There is no official global IQ census. National IQ figures like the one above come from compiled cross-national datasets — most famously the compilations begun by Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen (IQ and the Wealth of Nations, 2002) and successor datasets, alongside alternative estimates derived from international student assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. These compilations are heavily debated in the academic literature: critics have documented small and unrepresentative samples for many countries, scores extrapolated from neighboring nations, mixing of different tests and decades, and translation and cultural-fit problems. Different datasets can shift a country's estimate — and its rank — by several points.
For these reasons, the figure for Turkmenistan should be read as a rough estimate of average performance on Western-style cognitive tests under the conditions in which the underlying samples were collected — not as a measure of the innate ability or potential of Turkmenistan's people. Population-level test averages track education access, childhood nutrition, health, and economic development, and they change as those conditions change (see the Flynn Effect below).
Education System in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan's education system suffered severe disruption under President Niyazov (Turkmenbashi), who reduced compulsory schooling to 9 years, replaced standard textbooks with his ideological book (the Ruhnama), and drastically cut education spending. Under Berdimuhamedov since 2007, the country restored 10-year compulsory schooling and began reversing some of the most damaging policies. However, the education system remains closed, politically controlled, and far below international standards. Higher education is limited and access to foreign education is restricted. Despite these disruptions, the Soviet-era literacy legacy largely persists, with adult literacy at around 99%.
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.
Turkmenistan Compared to Central Asia
Central Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Turkmenistan compares to other countries in Central Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Turkmenistan | 87 | #108 |
| Kazakhstan | 89 | #67 |
| Uzbekistan | 87 | #107 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 75 | #109 |
| Tajikistan | 75 | #110 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Turkmenistan:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libya | 83 | #98 | Africa |
| Zimbabwe | 72 | #99 | Africa |
| Mozambique | 69 | #100 | Africa |
| Madagascar | 69 | #101 | Africa |
| Mali | 69 | #102 | 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 87 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 Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan's average IQ is estimated at 87, ranking #108 globally. Despite near-universal literacy from the Soviet era, the country's education system was severely disrupted by post-independence political interference.
Why does Turkmenistan score 87 on average IQ?
Turkmenistan's score reflects the Soviet literacy legacy that maintains high formal literacy rates, significantly offset by the Niyazov era's replacement of standard curriculum with ideological material, reduction of schooling years, and severe limitations on higher education quality. The system's political closure continues to prevent integration with international educational standards.
How does Turkmenistan compare to Uzbekistan?
Turkmenistan (87) scores similarly to Uzbekistan (87). Both share Soviet educational heritage and Turkic cultural backgrounds, but Turkmenistan's more severe post-independence curriculum disruption under Niyazov produced particularly damaging effects, while Uzbekistan's recent reform efforts give it slightly better near-term prospects.
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
Editorial team focused on cognitive testing & psychometrics research
Last updated
May 10, 2026
MyIQScores content is written and maintained by our editorial team using published research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics as its source base. We label estimates as estimates, link primary sources where available, correct errors when readers flag them, and update pages as research or feedback warrants — see our corrections policy.