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Study factors -

The study analyzed several factors to determine the smartest countries globally. These included the number of individuals and universities nominated for Nobel Prizes, average IQ scores (based on the Lynn-Becker scale), and the percentage of adults with at least a bachelor's or master's degree.

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Metrics -

Each metric was standardized on a 0-100 scale, with higher scores representing better performance. The Smart Capital Score was calculated as a weighted average of these metrics, giving slightly greater importance to Nobel Prize nominations and educational attainment.

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Data -

The data sources for the study included Nobel Prize nominations from the Nobel Prize Organization (1901 to 2024), average IQ scores from the World Population Review (2024), and educational attainment levels from the World Bank (using the latest available data).

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Equality in calculations -

For countries with limited or incomplete data, the most recent information was utilized, and adjustments were made to ensure fair and consistent comparisons across all entities.

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The results are in -

With these factors in mind, which countries made the cut? From nations with a rich history of academic excellence to those boasting impressive IQ averages, the results reveal a fascinating blend of intelligence indicators.

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The world's smartest countries -

Let’s dive into the rankings and count down from 10 to one, uncovering the world’s smartest countries.

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10. Finland -

Tenth place goes to Finland with a score of 80.24, featuring 198 Nobel Prize nominations, 16 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 101.20, and 28.80% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree, with 14.43% earning a master's.

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10. Finland -

Finland’s groundbreaking education system emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving from an early age and is often ranked among the best globally. Its culture of resilience and curiosity has led to numerous innovations in technology and design.

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9. Denmark -

Coming in ninth, Denmark scored 80.46, with 503 Nobel Prize nominations, 20 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 97.83, and 32.73% of adults earning at least a bachelor's degree, including 13.22% with a master's. 

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9. Denmark -

Denmark's focus on lifelong learning and innovation drives its success in fields like architecture, renewable energy, and healthcare. The country’s emphasis on collaboration and social equality fosters a thriving intellectual community.

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8. Poland -

Poland ranks eighth with a score of 80.70, featuring 284 Nobel Prize nominations, 17 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 96.35, and 28.65% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree, with 22.31% also completing a master's.

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8. Poland -

Poland has a rich intellectual heritage, with a history of producing influential thinkers, writers, and scientists. Its strong emphasis on preserving cultural identity while embracing innovation has kept it intellectually vibrant.

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7. Germany -

Germany lands in seventh place with a score of 85.40, 3,653 Nobel Prize nominations, 150 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 100.74, and 29.21% of its population attaining at least a bachelor's degree, including 12.28% with a master's.

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7. Germany -

Germany's reputation as a global leader in engineering and science is built on a culture of precision and discipline. Its long-standing tradition of innovation, from the Industrial Revolution to modern renewable energy solutions, is world-renowned.

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6. Sweden -

Sixth place goes to Sweden with an overall score of 85.62. It boasts 834 Nobel Prize nominations, 34 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 97.00, and 33.69% of the population holding at least a bachelor's degree, 16.18% of whom earned a master's.

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6. Sweden -

Sweden's education system emphasizes creativity, equality, and critical thinking, fostering innovation across industries like technology and design. Its society's focus on work-life balance allows people to pursue intellectual and creative passions.

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5. Belgium -

Belgium ranks fifth with a score of 86.58, featuring 495 Nobel Prize nominations, 23 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 97.49, and 39.39% of adults earning at least a bachelor's degree, including 17.28% with a master's.

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5. Belgium -

Belgium's multilingual population and central location in Europe have made it a nexus of intellectual exchange and a political hub. Known for its contributions to art, philosophy, and diplomacy, the country fosters a rich environment for intellectual growth.

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4. Netherlands -

In fourth place, the Netherlands achieved an overall score of 87.30, with 550 Nobel Prize nominations, 21 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 100.74, and 36.63% of the population holding a bachelor's degree, with 15.56% completing a master's.

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4. Netherlands -

Renowned for its progressive mindset, the Netherlands excels in sustainability, design, and scientific research. A culture of collaboration and openness to new ideas has made it a hub for forward-thinking initiatives.

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3. United States -

Ranking third, the US scored 89.18, with an impressive 5,717 Nobel Prize nominations and 256 universities with Nobel Prize nominations. The average IQ is 97.43, and 38.57% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree, plus 14.79% with a master's.

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3. United States -

The US thrives as a melting pot of diverse ideas, driven by its entrepreneurial culture and vast network of world-class institutions. Its ability to produce technological innovation and cultural icons reflects a society that values ambition and knowledge.

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2. United Kingdom -

The UK ranks second in the world’s smartest countries list with a score of 89.40, boasting 2,393 Nobel Prize nominations, 128 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 99.12, and 39.59% of its population attaining at least a bachelor's degree, with 14.37% holding a master's degree.

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2. United Kingdom -

As a hub of prestigious universities and centuries-old academic traditions, the UK has nurtured some of the world’s greatest minds in literature, science, and politics. The country’s investment in critical thinking and creative problem-solving has made it a leader in global advancements.

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1. Switzerland -

Leading the rankings, Switzerland scored an impressive 92.02 overall, with 1,099 Nobel Prize nominations, 32 universities with Nobel Prize nominations, an average IQ of 99.24, and 40.02% of its population holding at least a bachelor's degree, 18.05% of whom also have a master's.

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1. Switzerland -

Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and economic prosperity, Switzerland has earned the distinction of being the smartest country on the planet, as declared by the World of Card Games. Celebrated for its spirit of innovation, Switzerland has made groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and the arts.

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1. Switzerland -

With a highly skilled workforce and a steadfast commitment to research and development, the country remains a leader in global progress. Switzerland's forward-thinking policies and dedication to excellence continue to inspire nations worldwide, making it a beacon of ingenuity and progress.

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What it means to be "smart" -

It's worth noting that the data collected used to determine these results doesn't tell the full story of what it means to be "smart." Culture, society, freedom of thought, and opportunity all influence how individuals and societies think, approach challenges, and find solutions.

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Your education doesn't end with school -

Instead of seeing this ranking as a definitive judgment, consider it a starting point for exploring how diverse perspectives and experiences can contribute to a smarter, more equitable world for all.

Sources: (Forbes)

See also: Zodiac brainiacs: Which star signs claim to be the smartest?

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