What is the average IQ in Madagascar?

The average IQ in Madagascar is approximately 84, based on World Population Review (2024) (2024). This ranks Madagascar #114 out of 195 countries in our dataset. This score is considered below average on the global scale.

How does Madagascar's IQ compare to other Africa countries?

Madagascar ranks among the lower-scoring countries in Africa. Other Africa countries with similar scores include South Africa (84), Nigeria (84).

What factors influence IQ scores in Madagascar?

Key factors include: education quality and access (4.8 average years of schooling), literacy rate (77%), economic development (GDP per capita of $1,620), healthcare access (HDI: 0.501), nutrition, and urbanization levels. These environmental factors significantly affect measured cognitive test performance.

Is the IQ score for Madagascar reliable?

The score of 84 is an estimate based on World Population Review (2024) (2024). Like all national IQ estimates, it has limitations including varying sample sizes, potential cultural test bias, and the fact that within-country variation is always much larger than between-country differences. It should be interpreted as a rough approximation, not a precise measurement.

Average IQ in Madagascar

Madagascar has an average IQ of 84, ranking #114 out of 195 countries globally. This is considered below average on the worldwide scale.

Average IQ Score

Below Average (80–87) · Rank #114 of 195

Source: World Population Review (2024) (2024)

Key Statistics

Population

29,600,000

GDP per Capita (PPP)

$1,620

World Bank, 2023

Literacy Rate

77%

UNESCO, 2023

Human Development Index

0.501

UNDP, 2023

Mean Years of Schooling

4.8

Adults 25+

Education Expenditure

2.8%

% of GDP

Education System in Madagascar

Madagascar provides 5 years of compulsory education with instruction in Malagasy and French. Political instability and poverty have hindered education development.

IQ and Economic Development

Madagascar's GDP per capita of $1,620 reflects a lower-income economy. Research shows a moderate correlation (r ≈ 0.7) between national GDP and measured IQ, though this relationship is complex and bidirectional.

With 4.8 average years of schooling and a 2.8% GDP investment in education, Madagascar has room to increase education investment relative to GDP.

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	Botswana	83

Data Sources for Madagascar

IQ Score:World Population Review (2024) (2024) — aggregated estimate. Peer-reviewed primary sources were unavailable for this country; treat as a rougher approximation.

GDP & Education Spending:World Bank (2023)

HDI & Schooling:UNDP Human Development Report (2023–2024)

Literacy Rate:UNESCO Institute for Statistics (2023)

Population:UN World Population Prospects (2024)

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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