Average IQ in Cairo (Egypt): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
88
IQ Range
85–91
Region
Middle East & Africa
Cairo is Africa's most populous city and the Arab world's cultural capital, home to Al-Azhar University — one of the world's oldest universities, founded in 970 CE — alongside Cairo University and the American University in Cairo. Egypt's national average reflects significant challenges in educational quality, but Cairo concentrates the country's educated professional elite in government, media, law, and finance. The city's role as the dominant economic center for over 100 million Egyptians creates substantial selection effects, and the large middle class in Cairo's formal economy has much higher educational attainment than the national figure suggests.
Important note: City-level IQ estimates are especially approximate. They reflect selection effects — cities attract educated, ambitious migrants — as well as local education quality, economic conditions, and available data. These figures do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual resident. For context on what IQ scores measure, see our guide to IQ.
Key Factors Shaping IQ in Cairo
- •Al-Azhar University is one of the world's oldest universities (founded 970 CE)
- •Arab world's dominant media, culture, and government center
- •Large educated professional class in finance, law, and government above national average
- •American University in Cairo produces internationally competitive graduates
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.
Cairo vs. Egypt National Average
Cities typically score above national averages due to selection effects — highly educated and ambitious individuals tend to migrate toward economic and cultural capitals. Cairo's estimated average IQ of 88 reflects this urban premium above Egypt's national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Cairo?
Cairo's estimated average IQ is around 88, above Egypt's national average of approximately 83. The city's concentration of Egypt's most educated professionals and its role as the Arab world's cultural and governmental center create a meaningful urban premium.
What is Al-Azhar University's historical significance?
Al-Azhar, founded in Cairo in 970 CE, is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world and the world's foremost center of Islamic learning. Its influence on education across the Arab world and Muslim-majority countries has been profound for over a millennium.
How does Cairo compare to Nairobi and Johannesburg?
Cairo (88) scores above Nairobi (83) but below Johannesburg (90). Cairo's advantage over Nairobi reflects Egypt's higher national income and more developed urban professional sector. Johannesburg's higher score reflects South Africa's generally higher income levels despite greater internal inequality.
Explore More Cities
See all cities on our Average IQ by City 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.