Average IQ in Vietnam: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
94
Global Ranking
#50
out of ~199 countries
Region
Southeast 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 Vietnam
Vietnam is a remarkable outlier in global education data — despite being a lower-middle-income country, Vietnamese students score comparably to those in wealthy OECD nations on PISA assessments. The education system emphasizes discipline, hard work, and mathematics from an early age. Teachers are respected professionals, and families invest heavily in their children's education. Challenges include rural-urban disparities and limited resources for technology and infrastructure, but the system's efficiency in producing strong outcomes with modest spending is globally recognized.
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.
Vietnam Compared to Southeast Asia
Here is how Vietnam compares to other countries in Southeast Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 94 | #50 |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 |
| Indonesia | 84 | #130 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Vietnam:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | 95 | #45 | Middle East |
| Portugal | 95 | #46 | Europe |
| Argentina | 93 | #55 | South America |
| Greece | 92 | #60 | 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 94 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 Vietnam?
Vietnam's average IQ is estimated at 94, ranking #50 globally. Notably, Vietnam's PISA scores significantly exceed what its income level would predict, making it one of the most educationally efficient countries in the world.
Why does Vietnam outperform wealthier countries on PISA?
Vietnam's educational success is attributed to strong cultural emphasis on learning, disciplined classroom environments, respected teachers, heavy family investment in education, and an efficient curriculum focused on core academic skills. The country achieves remarkable results with modest per-student spending.
How does Vietnam compare to Thailand?
Vietnam (94) scores higher than Thailand (91) despite having a lower GDP per capita. Vietnam's stronger PISA performance and cultural emphasis on education suggest that spending efficiency and educational culture matter more than raw economic resources.
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.