Smartest Countries in the World? Rankings by World of Card Games

An insightful review of the world’s smartest countries according to the renowned World of Card Games have been revealed. The platform released a “Smart Capital Index” to show where travelers can rub shoulders with the world’s most intelligent populations.

The study used data from five different weighted factors driving this “education and research strength.” Ranking was based on metrics, such as average IQ scores, Nobel Prize nominations, and “university prestige.”

Mensa members and brainiacs everywhere might wish to visit these nations to feel more intellectually at home. The question is: which countries made the grade? Spoiler alert: Northern Europe and the United States are winning this race, though we can expect some other world regions to join one day.

#1 Switzerland

The Alpine country, famed for its positive attitude to organisation and neutral attitude to world wars, wins the smartest nation award. The Swiss are more than just clandestine bank vaults, watches, and cuckoo clocks, however.

Switzerland scored 92.02 from 100 points, based on “precision, research, and education.” It’s a metric born of strong bachelor’s and master’s degree completion rates, supporting a culture of industry and academia collaboration. To illustrate, Zurich has been rated consistently as the number-one smart city for the past six years by IMD’s Smart City Index.

#2 United Kingdom

My homeland, the United Kingdom, sits in the runner-up spot this year, no doubt boosted by its longstanding university prowess. Britain has 128 institutions with Nobel Prize nominee alumni. Furthermore, higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds ranks four of England’s universities in its top 10 for 2026: no mean feat for such a small country.

For high-IQ individuals, there are few cities like London, Bath, or Durham where historical forays, reflective walks in leafy parks, or tours of medieval architectural history abound. Visitors to the U.K. can always expect an interesting chat with locals. However, more stimulating conversation, avoid places where the general clientele dons soccer jerseys or leisure wear.

#3 United States of America

Completing the top-three candidates is the United States, a land where some of the world’s greatest minds live. America has been responsible for the world’s longest-running brain drain, with talented citizens drawn from all corners of the world. It means the country is really spoiled for choice with whom it brings in.

What sets the USA apart from the rest is the ability to scale ideas nationwide, which comes from an environment where the world’s talented can thrive. America is the global leader in both Nobel nominations and universities with Nobel nominations. Those intrigued by these stats might want to visit the research platform Relpi. It shows where the densest concentrations of PhD holders live. Spoiler alert: the winner is Los Alamos, New Mexico.

#4 The Netherlands

The Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world, which lies in tandem with being the fourth-most intelligent nation. Funnily enough, the Dutch also have the joint-highest average IQ alongside neighboring Germany. It’s this score that pushes them into the top five.

It might help that the Netherlands also attracts high fliers from abroad, thanks to healthy tax benefits for well-educated foreigners. The Dutch government permits an “annual tax-free allowance from their employer for up to 30% of their salary,” according to the state website. Ironically, for those tall Dutch citizens, there is a ceiling for this benefit: a joke about the nation’s high ceiling potential is here, somewhere.

#5 Belgium

Unsurprisingly, Northern Europe is rife with smart people, many of whom live in Belgium, the Netherlands’ southern neighbour. The country is made up mostly of the French-speaking Walloons and Dutch-speaking Flemish. When you add the peculiar West Flemish and Limburgish dialects, and then realize that most Belgians speak perfect English, you soon understand how educated they are.

Belgium has a small landmass, but there are still many peaceful escapes for the overloaded visitor’s mind. Sotheby’s recommends “villages such as Lasne, La Hulpe,and Rixenart” for visitors and expat transplants alike. The appeal: “A green residential setting, distinctive architecture, international schools and quick access to Brussels.”

#6 Sweden

 

In my experience, the Swedes I have met on my travels appear well-adjusted, friendly, and respectful. We all have the Swedish early childcare education system to thank for this reality; it’s another reason the country punches above its population’s weight. Swedish parents are entitled to 480 days of paid leave per infant, alongside subsidized childcare and a generous standard of living thereafter.

What’s more, free education from early years to university level means every Swede gets a chance to succeed later in life. Visit Sweden’s guide to culture, history, and art, illustrates how many brilliant designers, writers, and architects have made a mark. Sweden has an awe-inspiring blend of cold intelligence and a warm persona.

#7 Germany

Remarkably, Germany doesn’t score higher in the rankings, avoiding the top-five nations entirely. For a country with the joint-highest IQ score and a staggering 3,653 nominations, it sits in seventh spot overall, thanks mainly to its relatively low degree-holding cohorts.

In any event, Germany is only just behind Sweden’s total score, and it deserves its top-10 status. There is something for every hungry mind in Germany. The fairytale aesthetic of Heidelberg Castle or Cologne’s mindblowing Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic cityscape will appeal to journeyers with a taste for history.

For those who just love order, there are a few countries with more rules designed for keeping society ticking along without interference. Dialexy’s guide to living in Germany outlines how certain times of the day have a no-noise code. From 1 pm to 3 pm and from 10 pm until 6 am are the times for “midday peace” (Mittagsruhe), and “night sleep” (Nachtruhe). In these time windows, no loud work or noise is permitted, leaving Germans a chance to relax their busy brains.

#8 Poland

Northern Europe has a firm monopoly on the clever country index; its furthest eastern front in this case is Poland. The country has long been in a tricky position: sandwiched between two superpowers, Germany and Russia. Therefore, the Polish have needed to fight for their culture harder than other parts of Europe. Consequently, the country has been resolute in preserving its traditions while investing in strong modernization.

Like other members of this intelligent axis of nations, the Polish people champion etiquette and politeness. “Courtesy, being polite, and being helpful are encouraged at all times,” reads the Polish Art Center’s guide to Polish culture. “When speaking with another person, it is considered bad manners to place your hands in your pockets.”

Such a serene environment is a great location for highbrow thinkers. Rick Steves considers Krakow the cultural and intellectual capital, or the “heart and soul” of the country.