[xLaszlo]

Hungary had and still has a state sponsored "elite" education for gifted children. From a relatively early age kids are regularly tested (both materially and curiosity wise) if they are interested in "better" Maths. So they are prepared to a STEM trajectory.

You don't need to be a genius just reasonably good and interested. I would think 10% of all kids take part.

Check out UKMT for the equivalent in the UK or Kangaroo competitions.

Secondary schools has a 130! year old journal (KOMAL) for competition Maths (again various difficulties) but those who go on to become mathematicians (an extremely selective subject in Hungary) pass the hardest tests as well.

So Hungary has various levels of gifted children support programs and has it for the last 100+ years (across 3-4 different government structures)