Recruits to Isil are better educated than their average countryman, contrary to popular belief, according to a new World Bank study.

Moreover, those offering to become suicide bombers ranked on average in the more educated group, said the newly released study titled Economic and Social Inclusion to Prevent Violent Extremism.

The study, which aimed to identify socioeconomic traits that might explain why some are drawn to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), made clear that poverty and deprivation were not at the root of support for the group.