Average IQ in Botswana
Botswana has an average IQ of 83, ranking #128 out of 195 countries globally. This is considered below average on the worldwide scale.
Key Statistics
Education System in Botswana
Botswana provides 10 years of compulsory education and has one of Africa's highest education expenditures relative to GDP. Instruction is in Setswana and English.
IQ and Economic Development
Botswana's GDP per capita of $16,060 reflects a developing economy. Research shows a moderate correlation (r ≈ 0.7) between national GDP and measured IQ, though this relationship is complex and bidirectional.
With 9.7 average years of schooling and a 8.7% GDP investment in education, Botswana invests heavily in its education system compared to global norms.
Countries with Similar IQ Scores
Africa Rankings
| # | Country | Avg IQ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritius | 92 |
| 2 | Morocco | 87 |
| 3 | Tunisia | 87 |
| 4 | Egypt | 86 |
| 5 | Algeria | 86 |
| 6 | Seychelles | 86 |
| 7 | Libya | 85 |
| 8 | South Africa | 84 |
| 9 | Nigeria | 84 |
| 10 | Madagascar | 84 |
Data Sources for Botswana
National IQ estimates are approximate and based on meta-analyses of available cognitive testing data (Becker, 2019; Lynn & Vanhanen, 2012; World Population Review, 2025). These scores reflect measured test performance and are influenced by education, nutrition, healthcare, and socioeconomic factors — they do not measure innate intelligence. Within-country variation is much larger than between-country differences. IQ tests developed in Western contexts may not translate fairly across all cultures. Interpret with appropriate caution.
See the full methodology on our main IQ by Country page for complete source descriptions and data quality notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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