In this article we are going to list the 5 smartest countries in the world. For a detailed coverage of this topic and a more comprehensive list please take a look at the 25 smartest countries in the world.
5. Republic of Korea
Total number of patents issued in 2021: 145,882
Growth in patents granted in 2021: 8.25%
Number of patents per million in 2021: 2,819.3
South Korea was an underdeveloped economy just a few generations ago, but its technological boom has led to it becoming one of the biggest economies in Asia and the world. South Korea’s education system is one of the best in the world which is the primary reason behind its emergence as an important economy in the global landscape.
4. Germany
Total number of patents issued in 2021: 21,113
Growth in patents granted in 2021: 22.01%
Number of patents per million in 2021: 254
Germany is the biggest economy in Europe and is known for its hard work and innovation in technology and engineering among other fields. Germany is also said to have one of the highest IQs in Europe.
3. Brazil
Total number of patents issued in 2021: 26,872
Growth in patents granted in 2021: 31.68%
Number of patents per million in 2021: 125.6
Brazil is the smartest country in Latin America and one of the smartest countries in the world. Brazil has continued to advance in innovation and technology which explains its high ranking on this list.
2. Hong Kong
Total number of patents issued in 2021: 14,662
Growth in patents granted in 2021: 91.46%
Number of patents per million in 2021: 1,977.9
In terms of absolute patents, Hong Kong lags far behind most countries with much higher populations. However, Hong Kong ranked third in terms of number of patents per million people which has led to a high ranking for the nation.
1. China
Total number of patents issued in 2021: 695,946
Growth in patents granted in 2021: 31.28%
Number of patents per million in 2021: 429.8
Topping the list of the 25 smartest countries in the world is China. China has experienced stratospheric growth in the past few decades, aiming to become a technological and innovation hub. China is also said to have one of the highest average IQs in the world, with great emphasis being laid on schooling.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out our articles on 12 Most Advanced Countries in Robotics and 25 Most Technologically Advanced Countries in the World.
