A recent report by Divorce.com, a U.S.-based website that provides resources and support for navigating divorce, has listed Nigeria among the countries with the highest divorce rates globally.
According to data published in July, Nigeria ranks 11th out of 26 countries with the highest divorce rates.
The report, which drew from 16 primary sources and involved comprehensive sampling of respondents from various countries, revealed that Nigeria’s divorce rate stood at 2.9% in 2023. This translates to 1.8 divorces per 1,000 people in the country.
The data also highlighted a significant trend: women in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, are increasingly initiating divorce more often than men. This shift reflects changing gender dynamics and growing financial independence among women in the region.
The Maldives topped the list with the highest divorce rate at 5.52%, while India had the lowest rate at 0.01%. The report attributed the high divorce rate in the Maldives to the reduced stigma around divorce and the financial independence of women, which enables them to sustain themselves without their husbands.
On the other hand, India’s low divorce rate is linked to the strong societal pressures to maintain marriage despite challenges, rooted in cultural and religious values.
Other countries with higher divorce rates than Nigeria include Cuba, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Ukraine. Meanwhile, countries like Malta, Ireland, Venezuela, and Austria have lower divorce rates compared to Nigeria.
The report also delved into the factors contributing to high divorce rates globally, citing issues like marrying too young, financial hardship, substance abuse, and domestic violence as common reasons.
In Africa, additional factors like polygyny, HIV/AIDS risks, and age at first marriage were noted as significant contributors.
Moreover, the report underscored the impact of religion and extended family ties on marriage stability in sub-Saharan Africa, where conservative Christians are increasingly viewing divorce as a preferable option to enduring domestic violence or infidelity.
Content by: Sodiq Lawal
