Top 10 countries with high divorce rate

Divorce rates around the world have steadily been on the rise in recent decades.

This is due to several factors ranging from cultural beliefs, religion, educational attainment, infidelity, early marriage, Financial hardship, economic stability and domestic violence. 

According to a report, countries with a high rate of divorce usually have fast and inexpensive divorce processes. This makes it easier for couples to do away with each other. 

With Maldives topping the list, below are the top ten countries with the highest divorce rate. 

1. Maldives

With a divorce rate of 5.2 per thousand people, Maldives takes the first place amongst the countries with the highest rate of divorce. 

In Maldives, divorce processes are usually straightforward and inexpensive. Also, the women are financially independent and can sustain themselves hence causing the increase in divorce rate. 

2. Kazakhstan

As the second country with the highest divorce rate, divorce is more frequent in Kazakhstan than any other countries. 

With divorce rate of 4.6 per thousand,  factors like interference by relatives, lack of moral restrictions, change in attitude towards marriage, an easy divorce process and persisting gender roles are reasons for high divorce rates in Kazakhstan. 

3. Russia

Russia has one of the highest divorce rates globally with 4.4 per thousand people. 

Divorce is influenced by factors like economic instability, alcoholism and lack of mutual understanding in Russia. 

4. Belarus

In Belarus, alcoholism, abuse, and other challenges such as unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, and lack of housing strain marriages thereby causing divorce. 

With divorce rate of 3.7 per thousand  per resident, Belarus becomes the 4th country with the highest divorce rate. 

5. China

High divorce rates in China can be attributed  to rapid urbanization, economic pressure like rising housing costs, changing gender roles, increased individualism, and easier access to divorce through changes in law. 

China has become the fifth country with the highest divorce rate with 3.2 per thousand people. 

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6. Ukraine

The divorce rate in Ukraine is at the rate of 3.1 per thousand present population. 

Several factors contribute to this trend, including economic instability, societal changes following the collapse of the Soviet Union, economic challenges, shifting attitudes towards marriage and changes in societal norms and values. 

7. Cuba

Cuba has a divorce rate of 2.9 per thousand. 

This is due to boredom caused by unemployment, women’s independence and liberalized divorce laws. 

With its divorce rate at 2.7 per thousand people, Denmark is considered one of the top ten countries with the highest divorce rate. 

Divorce in Denmark is attributed to speedy and cheap divorce process, liberal divorce laws and high level of gender equality. 

9. Sweden

With divorce rate at 2.5 per thousand, Sweden has experienced an increase in divorce rates, attributed to factors such as gender equality, individualism and liberal divorce laws. 

10. Finland

Finland has a relatively high divorce rate compared to other Nordic countries influenced by factors such as changing societal attitudes and economic factors. 

Additionally, Finland’s social welfare system provides support for individuals, including single parents which may reduce some of the social stigma associated with divorce. 

Divorce rate in Finland is at 2.4 per thousand people.