Smart is relative. There is knowledgeable and also the old fashion horse sense. There is also the case where there are enough really intelligent people to bring up the average of the whole population under consideration.
If having a college degree is considered the indicator of general intelligence, the ability to follow through and being prepared to be a contributing member of society then the Measuring UP 2006: National Report Card on Higher Ed draws some conclusive results on which nations are in the top ten and which is the smartes.
Here are the top ten nations with percentage of population (35-64) with a four year degreed.
10. Switzerland - 26%
9. Norway - 28%
8. Australia - 28%
7. New Zealand - 29%
6. Denmark - 31%
5. Sweden - 31%
4. Japan - 31%
3. Finland - 31%
2. United States 39%
1. Canada - 41%
All four Scandinavian countries are in the top 10 + two North American countries and two countries from down under.
Switzerland and Japan seem to stand out on their own.
Of course this does NOT mean this is where the smarted people come from? If that were the case, countries like the UK, India and China would be found on the list, no?
How about the people in your country? Smart or dumber than a box of rocks?
Measuring Up 2006: The Nation's Report Card on Higher Education.
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