New international data places Sri Lanka ahead of its regional peers, highlighting education, health, and intellectual culture as key drivers of national intelligence.
As of 2025, Sri Lankans have recorded the highest average IQ level in South Asia, with an average score of 102, according to data released by the International IQ Test (IIT). This score also places Sri Lanka among the top 12 countries worldwide for average IQ levels.
The findings are based on data collected from 1,352,763 participants globally who completed the same standardized IQ test through the IIT platform. The research draws on extensive studies of national IQ levels conducted by psychologist Richard Lynn in collaboration with Tatu Vanhanen. IQ scores, according to researchers, often reflect the quality of education systems, access to learning resources, and broader social conditions within a country.
IIT notes that the global average IQ level stands at 100, which Sri Lanka comfortably surpasses. In total, 2,840 participants from Sri Lanka were assessed using the standard IQ test methodology. China ranked first globally, recording the highest average IQ level of 107.
The report outlines several factors that influence national IQ averages. These include infectious disease prevalence, dietary habits, intellectual engagement, and genetics. A 2024 study found that children with healthy dietary habits tend to show higher IQ levels. A 2022 study indicated that activities such as playing chess can improve children’s intelligence, while earlier research in 1962 showed bilingual children scoring higher on intelligence tests. A 2013 twin study also demonstrated that genetics account for between 50 percent and 80 percent of IQ variation.
“Countries with good healthcare systems, that promote healthy dietary habits, and encourage their citizens to engage in intellectually stimulating activities, tend to have populations with higher average IQs,” the website stated.
