Alarming Revelation: Morocco Lags Behind Neighbors in Global IQ Rankings

Saturday 30 March 2024 - 10:12

In a startling disclosure, a recent study conducted by CEOWORLD magazine has positioned Morocco in a dismal 174th place out of 199 countries in a global evaluation of average intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. With an alarming average IQ of 67.03, Morocco finds itself trailing not only on the global platform but also among its Arab and Maghreb counterparts.

The eye-opening report, released this month, reveals a sobering truth: nearly two-thirds of the global populace hold an unwarranted belief in their intellectual supremacy over the average individual. However, the data lays bare stark variances in cognitive capabilities across nations, with educational systems, research and development investments, and policy efficacy emerging as pivotal factors.

Within the Arab world, Qatar leads with an impressive average IQ of 80.78, followed by Jordan (80.7), Oman (78.7), Kuwait (78.64), and Saudi Arabia (76.36). Alarmingly, Morocco's modest score of 67.03 positions it behind its Maghreb counterparts, Algeria (76), and Tunisia (79.22), sounding an urgent call for comprehensive reforms in the nation's educational landscape.

The report hails Japan as the global frontrunner, boasting an exceptional average IQ of 106.48, credited to its rigorous educational system, substantial research and development investments, and efficient policymaking, particularly in education and technology. In close pursuit are Taiwan (106.47) and Singapore (105.89), nations that have consistently prioritized robust educational frameworks, research and development, and strategic policymaking.

At the other end of the spectrum lies Nepal, ranked last with a dismal average IQ of 42.99, followed by a string of nations grappling with significant challenges in delivering quality education and fostering environments conducive to cognitive development.

While IQ tests remain a contentious measure of intelligence, their widespread adoption as a tool for assessing cognitive abilities is undeniable. However, the report cautions against equating a nation's average IQ with the innate potential or capabilities of its citizens, underscoring the multifaceted nature of intelligence.

For Morocco, this troubling revelation must act as a clarion call to action, spurring a renewed commitment to educational reform, strategic investment in research and development, and the implementation of policies fostering cognitive growth. Only through a concerted effort to elevate educational standards and cultivate an environment conducive to learning and innovation can Morocco aspire to enhance its population's cognitive prowess and ascend the global rankings.