30 Countries with Lowest Divorce Rates in the World

Minal Zaheer

Mon, Feb 12, 2024, 7:24 AM11 min read

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In this article, we will take a look at the 30 countries with lowest divorce rates in the world. If you would like to skip our analysis of the global divorce trends, you can go directly to the 5 Countries with Lowest Divorce Rates in the World.

The average global divorce rate stands at 1.8 per 1000 people as of 2024. However, the divorce rate by country varies significantly. While some countries’ cultures celebrate decades-long partnerships, others experience higher rates of divorce. Some countries like the Maldives and Belarus have a significantly higher divorce rate than the global average. On the other hand, there are quite a few countries where the divorce rate is less than 1 per 1000. Among the countries with lowest divorce rates in the world are Qatar and Bangladesh. Western societies generally see higher divorce rates than countries in Asia or Latin America. For example, the USA, with a divorce rate of 2.5 per 1000, stands among the top 10 countries with the highest divorce rate in the world. At the other end of the spectrum, countries like Vietnam and Sri Lanka have lower divorce rates than the global average at 0.2 and 1.5 per 1000, respectively.

There are various reasons for this disparity in divorce rates in different countries. One of the reasons is cultural and religious norms. In Europe, for instance, societies that are more religious have more stable family units. For instance, Italy and Ireland, where people possess more conservative Catholic beliefs, have lower divorce rates than other nations within Europe. A study by the Pew Research Center has also found great differences in divorce rates among religions, with Protestants being the religion with the highest divorce rate in the world at 51%. Additionally, gender inequality is another factor impacting divorce rates in countries, especially in Asia. This is because gender inequality can lead to economic dependence on spouses, making divorce difficult. The legal framework surrounding divorces also has an impact on divorce rates. Countries having lenient divorce laws generally witness higher rates of divorces. Research shows that liberalization of divorce laws, especially in Western countries, has increased divorce rates in recent decades.

Regardless of the cause, divorce is worth $28 billion a year as an industry in the United States. The average cost of divorce is approximately $15,000. The costs include the expenses associated with hiring a lawyer as well as court fees, marshal fees, filing fees, and other similar expenses. However, getting divorced can cost less if the process is managed properly. You can also check out our piece -- Best Divorce Lawyers in Each of 30 Biggest Cities in the US. In addition to legal services, companies involved in wedding-related products, such as Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG), Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRLT), and Etsy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ETSY), also benefit from individuals entering into subsequent marriages.

Here's what Polen Capital said about Etsy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ETSY) in its Q2 2023 investor letter:

“Etsy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ETSY), an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, saw shares decline despite reporting better-than-expected results. Investors appear to be expressing concerns around a softening macro backdrop as consumer demand shifts increasingly from goods to services. We think it’s worth taking a step back to acknowledge how impressive Etsy has retained the massive growth in gross merchandise sales following the pandemic. We continue to have confidence in the long-term trajectory of the business.”

30 Countries with Lowest Divorce Rates in the World

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Our Methodology

To shortlist the 30 countries with lowest divorce rates in the world, we have utilized data from the World Population Review. The chosen metric for assessing divorce rates is the crude divorce rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of divorces by the population. Typically expressed as a per 1000 figure on an annual basis, the countries have been ranked in descending order based on this metric.

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30 Countries with Lowest Divorce Rates in the World

30. Tunisia

Divorce Rate Per 1000: 1.2

Even though Tunisia’s divorce rate is on the lower side, it has increased exponentially over the past few years. An increasing number of women in the country are filing for divorce due to difficulties in their marriages.

29. Guatemala

Divorce Rate Per 1000: 1.2

Although it is lawful for girls as young as 14 and boys as young as 16 to get married in this country, forced marriages are illegal. The illegality of forced marriages and other cultural norms have led to the low divorce rate in Guatemala.

28. Mexico

Divorce Rate Per 1000: 1.2

According to INEGI, which is the national statistical agency of Mexico, the number of divorces in a year in the country has increased by 50% over the last decade. Two-thirds of the divorces in the country were no-fault divorces.