Top 7 African Countries with the Highest Divorce Rates

Divorce in Africa, like in many parts of the world, is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a variety of social, cultural, economic, and legal factors. African societies are diverse, encompassing a wide range of traditions and belief systems, so the experiences and attitudes towards divorce can vary significantly from one region to another.

In some regions of Africa, traditional marriage systems still coexist with modern legal frameworks. These systems may not provide the same legal protections for women as modern laws, and they can contribute to gender inequalities within marriage and divorce proceedings.

Divorce is a legal process that terminates a marriage, leaving both parties unmarried and free to remarry if they so desire. It may be a difficult and emotionally draining event for everyone concerned. Aside from the emotional toll, it can have severe financial consequences.

While data on divorce in Africa is scarce, a Wisevoter analysis provides insights into global divorce statistics by country.

The following African countries have the highest divorce rate:

RankCountryDivorce rateGlobal rank
1Libya2.5 per 1k18
2Egypt2.2 per 1k23
3Mauritius1.7 per 1k50
4Algeria1.6 per 1k53
5Seychelles1.5 per 1k65
6Sudan1.5 per 1k67
7South Africa0.6 per 1k109

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