Average IQ in Venezuela: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
84
Global Ranking
#93
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 Venezuela
Venezuela's education system has deteriorated severely due to the country's economic and political crisis since the mid-2010s. The country previously had significant oil-funded education expansion under the Chávez era, including literacy programs and Mission Sucre for university access. However, economic collapse has led to mass teacher emigration, school closures, and dramatic drops in enrollment. The educational gains of previous decades have been substantially reversed, and millions of Venezuelan children have experienced significant school disruption.
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.
Venezuela Compared to South America
South America IQ Comparison
Here is how Venezuela compares to other countries in South America that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Venezuela | 84 | #93 |
| 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 Venezuela:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 72 | #83 | Africa |
| Uganda | 73 | #84 | Africa |
| Colombia | 89 | #85 | South America |
| Côte d'Ivoire | 71 | #85 | Africa |
| Senegal | 74 | #86 | 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 Venezuela?
Venezuela's average IQ is estimated at 84, ranking #93 globally. The country previously had stronger education outcomes, which have deteriorated significantly due to economic crisis and political instability.
Why does Venezuela score 84 on average IQ?
Venezuela's current score reflects the severe deterioration of its education system: mass emigration of teachers, school closures, dramatic enrollment drops, and inability to maintain basic school supplies. The economic crisis beginning around 2014 has reversed decades of educational progress funded by oil revenues.
How does Venezuela compare to Colombia?
Venezuela (84) scores below Colombia (89). Despite Venezuela's historically greater oil wealth, Colombia's more stable political environment and consistent education reforms have produced significantly better educational outcomes in recent years, particularly as Venezuela's crisis deepened.
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.