Marriage is often considered a lifelong commitment, yet divorce rates vary significantly across countries around the world.
While some countries experience high rates of marital dissolution, others maintain remarkably low divorce statistics.
Cultural traditions, legal frameworks, economic factors, and societal norms all play a role in shaping these trends.
To determine the countries with the lowest divorce rates, data from the World Population Review was used, assessing the crude divorce rate, which measures the number of divorces per 1,000 people annually.
Below is a list of the ten nations where divorce remains relatively rare, per Insider Monkey website:
10. Colombia
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.7
Despite its low divorce rate, Colombia has one of the highest infidelity rates in Latin America. Studies indicate that approximately 63% of men and women admit to cheating on their spouses at least once. While divorce remains relatively uncommon, extramarital affairs are a widespread issue in the country.
9. Malta
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.6
Malta has the lowest divorce rate in Europe, largely due to strict legal barriers. Couples seeking a divorce must first live separately for at least four years and provide evidence that reconciliation is impossible before a court grants approval. These legal hurdles contribute significantly to the country’s low divorce rate.
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.6
Although divorce is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the process is complex and often discouraging. Both spouses must mutually agree to dissolve the marriage, or one must file a petition and provide proof of failed mediation efforts. This bureaucratic process results in fewer divorces overall.
7. South Africa
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.4
In South Africa and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, lower divorce rates are linked to delayed marriages and an overall decline in marital unions. Between 2011 and 2019, the country saw a 45.1% drop in marriages, which indirectly contributes to fewer divorces.
6. Vietnam
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.2
Vietnam’s high marriage rate and strong cultural emphasis on family loyalty play a key role in keeping divorce numbers low. Marriage is also a crucial factor in financial stability, as many couples rely on shared resources.
5. Sri Lanka
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.15
Sri Lanka has strict divorce laws that require proof of fault for a marriage to be legally dissolved. Although the country records a high number of divorce filings—between 300 and 400 per day—only a small percentage of these cases result in finalized divorces due to the challenging legal process.
4. Zimbabwe
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.07
Zimbabwe’s low divorce rate is influenced by cultural and financial factors. However, the country has seen a gradual rise in divorces, with key causes including religious differences, financial instability, and infidelity. In 2021, the number of divorce cases increased significantly, with 1,351 couples filing for divorce, up from 1,117 cases in 2020.
3. Kenya
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.06
Education plays a crucial role in Kenya’s lower divorce rates. Increased educational attainment helps couples navigate marital challenges more effectively, reducing the likelihood of separation. Women, in particular, gain financial and decision-making independence, contributing to greater marital stability.
2. Mozambique
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.04
Cultural customs play a key role in Mozambique’s low divorce rate. In patrilineal marriages, a bride price or wealth exchange occurs, and returning this wealth upon divorce is often challenging. This financial barrier discourages many from seeking divorce, keeping rates exceptionally low.
1. India
Divorce Rate per 1,000: 0.01
India has the lowest divorce rate globally, primarily due to strong cultural and societal influences. Arranged marriages, which emphasize family unity over individual preferences, remain a dominant practice. The deep-rooted cultural stigma surrounding divorce further contributes to the country’s exceptionally low divorce rates.
