Divorce rates vary widely around the world. Some countries report unusually high numbers of divorces per 1,000 people each year, while others maintain very low figures, often reflecting cultural norms, legal systems, social attitudes and family structures.
While this article is framed around 2025, most global divorce statistics are published with a delay. The figures discussed below therefore reflect the most recent official data available, which typically relates to 2022–2024 reporting years, depending on the country.
How divorce rates are measured
Most international comparisons use crude divorce rates, the number of divorces per 1,000 people in a single year. While simple to calculate, this figure doesn’t capture long-term trends or lifetime risk (for example, what percentage of marriages end in divorce over time) and can be influenced by:
- Population size and age distribution
- Marriage rates (lower marriage rates can make crude divorce figures look higher)
- Legal and reporting differences
- Social stigma or barriers to divorce
Despite limitations, crude rates provide a useful snapshot of how common formal divorce is in different countries.
Countries with the highest divorce rates (latest data)
Here are some of the top countries with the highest reported divorce rates per 1,000 people based on the most recent international data available:
1. Maldives – ~5.52 divorces per 1,000 people
The Maldives consistently reports one of the world’s highest crude divorce rates. While small population size can amplify annual per-capita figures, the rate remains notable compared with global norms.
2. Liechtenstein – ~4.9 per 1,000
This small European nation appears near the top of global rankings, but figures may be influenced by its small population base.
3. Russia – ~4.7 per 1,000
Russia typically features among the highest divorce rates globally, reflecting a mix of social change and evolving family structures.
4. Belarus – ~3.7 per 1,000
Belarus often appears in global divorce datasets with high annual rates, similar to several other post-Soviet states.
5. Georgia – ~3.7 per 1,000
Recent regional figures show Georgia among the countries with especially high divorce rates per person.
Other countries with relatively high rates
- Kazakhstan – ~4.6 per 1,000 (some lists include this Central Asian state at the top)
- Latvia & Lithuania – ~2.8–2.9 per 1,000 – Baltic states frequently rank high in European comparisons.
- United States — ~2.3–2.7 per 1,000 – though lower than some Eastern European nations, the U.S. is high in global terms.
How does the UK divorce rate compare?
While the UK does not rank among the countries with the very highest crude divorce rates globally, divorce remains relatively common compared with many parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Recent UK figures suggest a crude divorce rate of around 1.5–2.0 divorces per 1,000 people, which places the UK:
- Lower than countries such as Russia, Belarus and parts of Eastern Europe
- Similar to several Western European countries
- Higher than many countries where divorce is legally restricted or culturally discouraged
It is also important to note that UK marriage rates have been declining for decades. This affects how divorce rates appear when measured per 1,000 people, as fewer new marriages can make crude divorce rates look proportionally higher or lower depending on population structure.
For individuals and families, this means that although the UK is not among the highest globally, relationship breakdown and divorce remain common life events, and legal, financial and child-related issues are highly relevant to many households.
Why some countries have higher divorce rates
There is no single cause for a high divorce rate. Instead, a combination of legal, cultural, economic and demographic factors influence the numbers:
Legal ease of divorce
In countries where divorce procedures are straightforward and socially accepted, more people are likely to pursue legal divorce when a marriage breaks down.
Cultural norms and social acceptance
Divorce can carry heavy social stigma in some regions. Where divorce is socially acceptable and even expected in the face of marital unhappiness, reported rates tend to be higher.
Marriage patterns
Declining marriage rates paradoxically can inflate divorce rates when measured per 1,000 people, because fewer new marriages mean a higher proportion of older couples are dissolving. This is particularly visible in parts of Europe and North America.
Economic independence
Greater financial and legal independence, especially among women, often correlates with higher divorce rates, as economic barriers to leaving an unhappy marriage reduce.
Countries with lower divorce rates
At the opposite end of the spectrum, many countries report much lower crude divorce rates. These are often places where:
- Divorce is legally difficult or heavily restricted
- Religious or cultural norms strongly favour marriage stability
- Family and community pressures discourage separation
Examples of countries that frequently appear with very low reported divorce rates include:
- India – divorce remains relatively uncommon compared with Western countries, particularly outside major cities
- Philippines – divorce is not legally available for most citizens, which keeps formal divorce rates extremely low
- Vietnam – historically low, though gradually increasing in urban areas
- Indonesia – low overall rates, influenced by religious and legal structures
- Many Middle Eastern countries – where religious law and social norms strongly influence marriage and divorce practices
However, low reported divorce rates do not necessarily mean fewer relationship breakdowns. In many countries, couples may separate informally or remain legally married due to legal barriers, financial dependence, or social stigma.
Understanding these numbers in context
A high divorce rate doesn’t necessarily mean more unhappiness or worse relationships in a given country. Instead, it often signals greater freedom to legally formalise a break-up and changing social norms around marriage.
Similarly, extremely low divorce rates can indicate legal restrictions, social stigma, or economic barriers that make divorce difficult even when personal relationships are failing.
When to speak to a family law solicitor
Even if you are not certain about separating, early legal advice can be helpful if:
- You want to understand your financial position
- You are unsure how separation would affect your children
- You or your partner have lived or worked abroad, or have different nationalities (which can affect which country can handle your divorce and how finances are treated)
- You want to know what options exist short of full divorce, such as separation agreements
Speaking to a solicitor does not commit you to ending your marriage, but it can give you clarity and reassurance about your choices.
Final thoughts
Global divorce statistics provide valuable insight into how different societies experience marital breakdowns. While countries like the Maldives, Russia and several Eastern European states report some of the highest crude divorce rates per capita, those figures must be interpreted in context alongside social, cultural, legal and demographic factors.
Need advice about separation or divorce?
If you are considering separation or divorce and would like confidential legal advice about your options, speaking to an experienced family law solicitor can help you plan your next steps with confidence and clarity.
Call Woolley & Co, Solicitors on 0800 321 3832 or complete our short online form to arrange a free 30-minute initial call with an experienced divorce and family law solicitor.
Article sources
Divorce rate figures are based on the latest available data from the United Nations Demographic Yearbook, World Population Review, OECD Family Database, World Bank Population Statistics, Eurostat, and national statistical authorities.
United Nations – Demographic Yearbook
Provides official divorce and marriage statistics reported by national governments.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), Demographic Yearbook – Marriage and Divorce Tables
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/
World Population Review – Divorce Rate by Country
Aggregates UN and national statistics into comparable global rankings, updated regularly.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/divorce-rates-by-country
OECD Family Database – Marriage and Divorce Rates
Reliable comparisons for developed countries, based on national statistical offices.
https://www.oecd.org/els/family/database.htm
World Bank – Population and Vital Statistics
Includes divorce and marriage data submitted by member countries.
https://databank.worldbank.org/source/population-estimates-and-projections
Eurostat – Marriage and Divorce Statistics (EU)
Official European Union divorce and family formation data.
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Marriage_and_divorce_statistics
National Statistics Offices (Country-Level Data)
Used to validate and supplement international datasets, for example:
- UK Office for National Statistics (ONS): https://www.ons.gov.uk
- S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/nchs
Judith Buckland
Family law solicitor Wells
