Divorce rates show significant global variations, ranging from fewer than 1 per 1,000 people to more than 9 per 1,000.
Although the country with the world’s highest rate of divorces can vary annually based on data availability and methods used to calculate them, recent statistics indicate that North Macedonia has the highest rate of divorces with approximately 9.6 divorces per 1,000 people.
Historically, the Maldives holds the record with the highest divorce rate in the world of 10.97 per 1,000 people achieved in 2002.
This page will provide an update on this data, explain reasons behind the significant variations seen globally, describe current trends and explain their relevance to the US audience.
Which Country Has the Highest Divorce Rate in the World?
North Macedonia has one of the highest divorce rates, with a rate of around 9.6 per 1,000 people, while the Maldives holds the all-time record for the highest divorce rate at 10.97 per 1,000 people.
Rankings may change from year to year as new data emerges and smaller countries may appear high due to their small population sizes.
The most common way to compare countries is the crude divorce rate – the number of divorces per 1,000 residents.
Top Countries with the Highest Divorce Rates (Latest Data)
The countries with the highest divorce rates in the world can be found in parts of Eastern Europe with levels ranging from 2.5 to 9.6 divorces per 1,000 people.
North Macedonia is currently experiencing a surge in divorces, while several other countries also experience high numbers on a regular basis. To put things into perspective, the United States usually sits in the middle of the global range.
Countries with some of the highest crude divorce rates (latest data, mainly 2020–2023):
- North Macedonia: 9.6 divorces per 1,000 people
- Liechtenstein: 4.9 per 1,000
- Kazakhstan: 4.6 per 1,000
- Russia: 3.9 per 1,000
- Belarus: 3.7 per 1,000
- Georgia: 3.7 per 1,000
- Moldova: 3.7 per 1,000
- United States: 2.3–2.5 per 1,000
Note: Different sources and reporting years can lead to small differences in the numbers. The crude divorce rate simply means the number of divorces per 1,000 people.
The fact that many Eastern European countries appear near the top is noticeable, but care should be taken when interpreting these numbers given factors such as a country’s population size and how data is collected.
A higher divorce rate can indicate easy legal access to get a divorce – countries with few obstacles to obtaining a divorce record more divorces.
Countries with the Lowest Divorce Rates — And Why It’s Misleading
Countries with divorce rates of around 1 per 1,000 people often have strict laws or social barriers to divorce, rather than exceptionally happy marriages.
A low divorce rate does not necessarily mean strong relationships, it just means that people have fewer ways to leave. Slovenia (1.0), Croatia (1.1), Montenegro (1.3) and Uzbekistan (about 1.4) have some of the lowest divorce rates in the world.
There can be various reasons behind such low numbers. Divorce may be difficult, expensive or socially unacceptable. Religious pressures and social expectations can lead people to continue living together despite unhappy marriages.
Women who are financially dependent on their spouses also find it difficult to leave them. In cases where the number of people getting married is decreasing, divorce rates seem lower as there are less marriages to break.
Where the U.S. Ranks in Global Divorce Statistics
The US divorce rate is about 2.3-2.5 per 1,000 people, placing the country somewhere in the middle range compared to other nations. The divorce rate has dropped significantly since its peak of 5.3 divorces per 1,000 people in 1981.
Although the annual rate has decreased, divorce remains relatively common throughout one’s life.
Approximately 42-53% of first marriages result in divorce, increasing to 60-67% of second marriages and over 70% of third marriages — and the underlying factors that affect divorce rates include age at marriage, education, and family background.
The decrease in the legal rate of divorces can be attributed to couples getting married at a later age or choosing to live together without marrying. Therefore, breakdowns in relationships do not always lead to divorces, resulting in an undercount of relationship breakdowns in divorce statistics.
There are many divorces in the US today that are uncontested, meaning that both parties agree on its terms. Having a less contentious divorce proceedings can lead to a faster and more peaceful process.
Why Divorce Rates Vary So Much Across Countries
The divorce rate varies greatly due to factors such as legal systems, culture, economy and changes in relationship norms. There is no single factor that can explain the huge differences seen in the global divorce rate.
The complex interplay of legal provisions, economic situation, cultural values and changing social behavior contributes to the wide variation.
It is important to note that the same crude divorce rate can indicate vastly different realities in different countries, depending on these underlying factors.
Legal Systems and No-Fault Divorce Laws
The legal framework surrounding marriage and divorce contributes significantly to the divorce rate. Laws permitting no-fault divorces (which enable a couple to divorce without proving any wrongdoing) have generally led to increases in officially reported divorces through making the divorce process more accessible and peaceful.
Countries with strict divorce laws or a complete ban on divorce tend to report artificially low divorce rates. A prominent example is the Philippines, which, with the exception of its Muslim population, does not permit divorce, leading to extremely low official divorce statistics.
Where the legal process is easier and more affordable, more divorces are officially recorded.
Gender Equality and Financial Independence
Advances in gender equality and women’s increased financial independence contribute to differences in divorce rates. Research shows that higher female labor market participation leads to higher divorce rates.
However, this does not imply that financial independence leads to a negative outcome. Good financial health empowers individuals, especially women, to leave unhappy or abusive marriages which they could not have left because of lack of financial capacity.
Having the ability to provide for oneself and one’s children provides an opportunity to end an unfulfilling partnership.
Cultural Norms, Religion, and Social Pressure
Cultural norms, religious beliefs and societal pressures have a big impact on the rate of divorces. Countries where religious institutions have significant power or where there is strong cultural disapproval of divorce have lower reported rates of divorce.
This can lead people to stay in unhappy marriages to avoid being ostracized by society or facing religious opposition. The ongoing trend of secularisation in many developed countries has led to an increase in divorce rates due to weakening of traditional religious and social deterrents.
Societal pressure plays a role in both deciding to get a divorce and the desire to register it formally.
Marriage Age, Cohabitation, and Modern Relationships
The age at which individuals get married has a big role to play in increasing the risk of divorce. Various studies reveal that early marriages contribute to a higher chance of divorces, with people who get married before 25 years of age being 2-3 times more prone to getting divorced.
With aging populations choosing to get married at an older age in many countries, there is a downward trend in the general number of divorces. Additionally, an increasing tendency to live together in a relationship before or instead of getting married affects the official statistics on divorces.
Although cohabiting relationships can break down, divorces resulting from these breakups are not recorded. Consequently, although relationship instability may persist, the official crude divorce rate decreases.
How COVID-19 Changed Divorce Trends Worldwide
Divorce rates decreased in 2020 due to courts being closed and couples delaying to submit divorce petitions during the uncertain situation arising out of COVID-19. Financial difficulties also led some couples to choose to delay parting ways.
In 2021 and 2022, the rate of divorce increased as courts re-opened and cases pending for a long time could be processed. Lockdowns and increased stress also led to an increase in the number of couples who were experiencing difficulties in their marriage, leading to divorces.
In general, significant events can temporarily distort data on divorces, leading to short-term declines followed by an increase in divorce rates reflecting no change in the level of stable marriages.
Global Divorce Trends: Are Rates Rising or Falling?
Global divorce rates are falling in many developed countries but rising in developing ones, creating different trends. In much of Europe and North America, divorce rates have dropped since peaking in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
At the same time, fewer people are getting married, and those who do tend to be older and more financially stable, which often leads to longer-lasting marriages.
In contrast, divorce rates are increasing in many developing countries. This is linked to urbanization, better education and job opportunities for women, and weakening social or religious pressures to stay married.
As a result, divorce rates in some developing nations are starting to match or even exceed those in wealthier countries, reflecting broader social changes and greater personal choice.
What High Divorce Rates Actually Mean for Relationships Today
High divorce rates often reflect greater freedom and changing expectations rather than weaker relationships.
Today, people place more value on personal happiness and compatibility, and they’re less willing to stay in unhappy marriages. There’s also less stigma around divorce, so couples feel more able to separate when things aren’t working.
Because of these shifts, divorce rates don’t necessarily tell the full story about relationship health. They mainly measure the end of legal marriages and don’t account for factors like cohabitation or different relationship choices.
In many cases, higher divorce rates can simply mean people have more freedom to make decisions that support their well-being.
What Global Divorce Trends Mean for You (U.S. Perspective)
The majority of divorces in the United States are uncontested and can be finalized quickly with good preparation. Although divorce rates vary around the world, it is important to note that divorce is common, and there are now several tools and options available to deal with it calmly.
Divorce doesn’t always have to be stressful or expensive. When both spouses agree on the terms, the process can be much easier, and many couples are able to move forward without hiring lawyers.
Services like YourForms are designed for this situation. It offers an online, step-by-step way to prepare divorce documents, allowing you to be ready to file within a few days, and the pricing starts at just $69 per month.
YourForms is not a law firm and doesn’t provide legal advice, but for couples pursuing an uncontested divorce, it can be a simple and affordable alternative to traditional legal services.
