Average IQ in Uzbekistan: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
87
Global Ranking
#107
out of ~199 countries
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.
Education System in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan inherited a relatively well-developed education system from the Soviet era, including near-universal literacy. Post-independence reforms restructured the curriculum to emphasize national culture and Uzbek language, replacing Russian-medium instruction. The country has maintained high primary and secondary enrollment rates, but quality has declined compared to Soviet standards due to underfunding and brain drain. Higher education was reduced from five years to two years post-independence, weakening university-level outcomes. Recent reforms under President Mirziyoyev since 2017 have focused on improving educational quality, increasing teacher salaries, and re-engaging with international standards.
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.
Uzbekistan Compared to Central Asia
Central Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Uzbekistan compares to other countries in Central Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 87 | #107 |
| Kazakhstan | 89 | #67 |
| Turkmenistan | 87 | #108 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 75 | #109 |
| Tajikistan | 75 | #110 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Uzbekistan:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somalia | 68 | #97 | Africa |
| Libya | 83 | #98 | Africa |
| Zimbabwe | 72 | #99 | Africa |
| Mozambique | 69 | #100 | Africa |
| Madagascar | 69 | #101 | 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 Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan's average IQ is estimated at 87, ranking #107 globally. The country benefits from a Soviet-era literacy legacy but has faced educational quality challenges since independence.
Why does Uzbekistan score 87 on average IQ?
Uzbekistan's score reflects the Soviet legacy of near-universal literacy and structured education, partially offset by post-independence quality decline, curriculum disruption during the transition away from Russian-medium instruction, higher education reductions, and economic constraints limiting educational investment. Recent reforms are beginning to improve outcomes.
How does Uzbekistan compare to Kazakhstan?
Uzbekistan (87) scores below Kazakhstan (94). Kazakhstan has benefited from greater oil wealth enabling more education investment, stronger integration with international education standards (including PISA participation), and more sustained reform efforts, while Uzbekistan's more closed post-independence period constrained its educational development.
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.