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Illustration of a single male figure surrounded by female figures. Image Credit Kristijan Zontar via Shutterstock.

10 Countries Where Women Far Outnumber Men

While 105 boys are typically born for every 100 girls, factors like life expectancy and immigration have led some countries to have a higher proportion of women in their populations. As per a report released by the United Nations Population Division in July of 2024, some of the countries with the highest percentage of women in their populations are Moldova, with 53.98%; Latvia, with 53.68%; Armenia, with 53,61%, and Russia with 53.57%.

The 10 Countries With The Largest Proportion of Women

Rank Country Percentage of Women
1 Moldova 53.98%
2 Latvia 53.68%
3 Armenia 53.61%
4 Russia 53.57%
5 Ukraine 53.50%
6 Georgia 53.40%
7 Belarus 53.40%
8 Lithuania 52.85%
9 Tonga 52.59%
10 Serbia 52.51%

1. Moldova - 53.98%

The "Feminist March" during the Feminist Festival 2023 on International Women's Day in Chisinau, Moldova. Image Credit Dan Morar via Shutterstock.
The "Feminist March" during the Feminist Festival 2023 on International Women's Day in Chisinau, Moldova. Image Credit Dan Morar via Shutterstock.

While 53.98% of Moldova's population is women, the country still faces significant challenges regarding gender equality. Despite higher female enrollment in tertiary education, women's participation in the labor force remains notably lower than men's, with a 10% gap. Additionally, two-thirds of unemployed individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 are women, highlighting persistent barriers in the workforce. Traditional gender norms are largely responsible for Moldova鈥檚 low rate of women鈥檚 workforce participation, with women receiving an unequal share of household and childcare responsibilities.

2. Latvia - 53.68%

Aerial view of the Freedom Monument and Riga Dome Cathedral in Riga, Latvia. Image Credit Aerial Film Studio via Shutterstock.
Aerial view of the Freedom Monument and Riga Dome Cathedral in Riga, Latvia. Image Credit Aerial Film Studio via Shutterstock.

With 53.68% of the population as women, Latvia鈥檚 high percentage of women can largely be attributed to general health. Under 43 years old, there are actually more men than women in the population, while after 65, there are twice the number of women than men. This discrepancy after the age of 65 is a result of poor male health, with men having a much lower life expectancy. Men are about three times more likely to smoke, with 31% of the male population smoking compared to just 10% of the female population. Men are also slightly more likely to be obese or overweight, with 62% of men being overweight or obese compared to 57% of women.

3. Armenia - 53.61%

Armenian women in national costumes in Yerevan, Armenia. Image Credit MehmetO via Shutterstock.
Armenian women in national costumes in Yerevan, Armenia. Image Credit MehmetO via Shutterstock.

The high percentage of women in Armenia鈥檚 population, 53.61%, can largely be attributed to the fact that many Armenian men leave to go abroad in search of better work. However, despite a large female population, women continue to face barriers in the workforce and political sphere. While women represent 56% of those with higher education, their influence in the government and political sectors remains low. Women hold fewer than 10% of local governance positions and make up up just 24% of Armenia鈥檚 parliament. Additionally, the percentage of women participating in the workforce is considerably lower, with about 12% fewer women working than men.

4. Russia - 53.57%

Woman walking with a baby pram in a spring park in Moscow, Russia. Image Credit Oleg Elkov via Shutterstock.
Woman walking with a baby pram in a spring park in Moscow, Russia. Image Credit Oleg Elkov via Shutterstock.

Russia has had a high percentage of women in its population since the 1950s, when many Soviet men died during 海角社区 War II. This historical event continues to shape the population today, as Russia's relatively high life expectancy results in older generations being predominantly female. Additionally, due to health issues such as alcoholism, suicide, and diseases, men in Russia generally have lower life expectancies than women. Women born between 2010 and 2015, for example, have a projected life expectancy of 75.6 years, compared to men born in the same period, of just 64.2 years. This gap results in a lower percentage of men in older generations.

5. Ukraine - 53.50%

Two Ukrainian women in traditional clothing with floral wreaths in front of a decorated hut. Image Credit BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY via Shutterstock.
Two Ukrainian women in traditional clothing with floral wreaths in front of a decorated hut. Image Credit BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY via Shutterstock.

Similar to Russia, women in Ukraine have a higher life expectancy than men, which greatly contributes to the higher number of women in their population. As of 2021, the life expectancy for women in Ukraine is 75.3 years of age, which is nearly a decade longer than that of men in the country, at 66.3. Regarding higher education, women in Ukraine are generally very educated, with 60% of women in the country holding higher education degrees. Despite their educational achievements, Ukrainian women continue to face challenges in the workforce, representing 80% of the unemployed population.

6. Georgia - 53.40%

Georgian women protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, Georgia, against a law adopted in parliament. Image Credit k_samurkas via Shutterstock.
Georgian women protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, Georgia, against a law adopted in parliament. Image Credit k_samurkas via Shutterstock.

骋别辞谤驳颈补鈥檚 high number of women, composing 53.4% of the total population, can largely be attributed to two factors: immigration and life expectancy. With 56% of Georgians emigrating abroad being men, the country is left with a slightly higher proportion of women. Additionally, similar to other countries with a high female population, women have a higher life expectancy than men. As of 2023, Georgian men have a life expectancy of 70.6 years, which is significantly lower than that of women in the country, at 79.4 years, resulting in older generations being predominantly female.

7. Belarus - 53.40%

A group of Belarusian girls in national clothes during a celebration of Belarusian cultures in Gomel, Belarus. Image Credit SviatlanaLaza via Shutterstock.
A group of Belarusian girls in national clothes during a celebration of Belarusian cultures in Gomel, Belarus. Image Credit SviatlanaLaza via Shutterstock.

Although women represent 53.4% of Belarus's total population, the country remains deeply patriarchal, with significant gender inequality. On average, for example, a Belarusian woman earns about 80% of what a man does. However, unlike some of the other countries on this list, Belarus stands out, with women making up 54% of the workforce, more closely reflecting the country's overall gender distribution. One factor that largely influences the proportion of women to men in the country is life expectancy: As of 2021, life expectancy for women in Belarus is 78 years, exactly ten years higher than that of men.

8. Lithuania - 52.85%

A Lithuanian athlete, Gitana Akmanavi膷i奴t臈, in the 18th VILEMI MARATHON. Image Credit Donkichotas34 via Wikimedia.
A Lithuanian athlete, Gitana Akmanavi膷i奴t臈, in the 18th VILEMI MARATHON. Image Credit Donkichotas34 via Wikimedia.

Life expectancy and refugee immigration are two major factors that have led to 尝颈迟丑耻补苍颈补鈥檚 high percentage of women, making up about 52.85% of the population. Lithuanian women, on average, live nine years longer than Lithuanian men, largely due to health factors such as smoking, drinking, diet, and exercise. In fact, two-thirds of the country鈥檚 population over the age of 65 are women. In recent years, a record number of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Lithuania has further affected gender disparities in the country, with 32,000 of the 54,000 refugees received being women.

9. Tonga - 52.59%

A market in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, where women and men shop. Image Credit Pilgrim81 via Wikimedia.
A market in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, where women and men shop. Image Credit Pilgrim81 via Wikimedia.

With women making up 52.59% of the population, Tonga ranks as the ninth country 海角社区wide with the highest female-to-male ratio. Regarding life expectancy, as of 2021, women in Tonga have a life expectancy of 75.3 years, which is about five years higher than the men鈥檚 average life expectancy of 70.2 years. Since childhood, Tongan society often socializes boys to practice riskier habits such as smoking, fighting, and wrestling, all of which are generally not socially accepted behaviors for girls. In terms of gender equality, Tonga ranks 115th globally on the Gender Inequality Index, with a score of 0.462 as of 2022.

10. Serbia - 52.51%

A women preparing grapes in Serbia, wearing a traditional outfit. Image Credit Miki Veskovic via Wikimedia.
A women preparing grapes in Serbia, wearing a traditional outfit. Image Credit Miki Veskovic via Wikimedia.

Serbia has the tenth highest proportion of women to men in the 海角社区, with 52.51% of the population consisting of women. Despite over half the population being women, women are underrepresented in the workforce, accounting for just 45.5% of workers. Serbian women are disproportionately affected by discrimination and domestic violence, with half reporting experiences of domestic abuse. Life expectancy is a relevant factor that influences gender population distribution. Serbian women, as of 2021, have a life expectancy of 75.6 years, compared to men of just 70 years.

Final Thoughts

While several factors contribute to the higher proportion of women compared to men in these countries, life expectancy stands out as a major factor, with men often engaging in behaviors more detrimental to their health. As health organizations address these concerns, populations may achieve a more balanced gender ratio, particularly in older age groups. Despite having a larger percentage of women, many of these countries still face lower female representation in the workforce and political spheres, emphasizing the ongoing need to advocate for greater gender equality continuing to move forward.

The Countries And Territories With More Women Than Men

Rank Country Percentage of Women
1 Republic of Moldova 53.98%
2 Latvia 53.68%
3 Armenia 53.61%
4 Russian Federation 53.57%
5 Ukraine 53.50%
6 Georgia 53.40%
7 Belarus 53.40%
8 Lithuania 52.85%
9 Tonga 52.59%
10 Serbia 52.51%
11 Estonia 52.50%
12 El Salvador 52.50%
13 Bosnia and Herzegovina 52.44%
14 Antigua and Barbuda 52.41%
15 Zimbabwe 52.38%
16 Portugal 52.36%
17 Mayotte 52.27%
18 Bahamas 52.21%
19 Holy See 52.22%
20 Central African Republic 52.11%
21 Saint Kitts and Nevis 52.08%
22 Barbados 52.06%
23 Hungary 52.01%
24 Nepal 51.91%
25 French Guiana 51.89%
26 Montenegro 51.88%
27 Niue 51.84%
28 Croatia 51.78%
29 Sri Lanka 51.61%
30 Bulgaria 51.60%
31 Greece 51.56%
32 Romania 51.56%
33 Poland 51.54%
34 Kiribati 51.54%
35 France 51.53%
36 Mozambique 51.52%
37 Uruguay 51.51%
38 Mexico 51.50%
39 Anguilla 51.40%
40 Lebanon 51.39%
41 North Macedonia 51.37%
42 South Africa 51.35%
43 Kazakhstan 51.32%
44 Lesotho 51.30%
45 Guyana 51.30%
46 Thailand 51.26%
47 Rwanda 51.25%
48 Malawi 51.22%
49 Japan 51.19%
50 Slovakia 51.17%
51 Namibia 51.16%
52 Italy 51.16%
53 Monaco 51.05%
54 Bermuda 51.04%
55 Tokelau 51.06%
56 Cambodia 51.02%
57 Vietnam 51.02%
58 Azerbaijan 51.00%
59 Mauritania 50.98%
60 Turkmenistan 50.96%
61 Cook Islands 50.94%
62 Eswatini 50.91%
63 Tajikistan 50.90%
64 Spain 50.90%
65 San Marino 50.83%
66 Nicaragua 50.82%
67 Kosovo (under UNSC res. 1244) 50.81%
68 South Sudan 50.81%
69 Bangladesh 50.80%
70 Brazil 50.78%
71 Austria 50.78%
72 United Kingdom 50.77%
73 Belgium 50.71%
74 Czechia 50.69%
75 New Caledonia 50.68%
76 Colombia 50.65%
77 Eritrea 50.65%
78 Cuba 50.64%
79 Jersey 50.64%
80 Germany 50.62%
81 Guinea-Bissau 50.60%
82 Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 50.59%
83 Saint Lucia 50.58%
84 Finland 50.58%
85 Costa Rica 50.58%
86 Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) 50.57%
87 Dem. People's Republic of Korea 50.57%
88 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 50.57%
89 Guernsey 50.56%
90 Albania 50.56%
91 Kyrgyzstan 50.56%
92 Guinea 50.56%
93 Tunisia 50.55%
94 Trinidad and Tobago 50.54%
95 Jamaica 50.53%
96 Angola 50.53%
97 Zambia 50.51%
98 Ireland 50.50%
99 Haiti 50.49%
100 Isle of Man 50.48%
101 United Republic of Tanzania 50.44%
102 Uganda 50.42%
103 Djibouti 50.42%
104 Guatemala 50.41%
105 Sudan 50.40%
106 Democratic Republic of the Congo 50.39%
107 Australia 50.39%
108 Argentina 50.38%
109 Fiji 50.37%
110 Canada 50.34%
111 Switzerland 50.34%
112 Liechtenstein 50.33%
113 Netherlands 50.33%
114 Burundi 50.33%
115 New Zealand 50.33%
116 Chile 50.30%
117 Micronesia (Fed. States of) 50.30%
118 State of Palestine 50.30%
119 Denmark 50.29%
120 Kenya 50.28%
121 Dominican Republic 50.27%
122 Sao Tome and Principe 50.27%
123 Peru 50.26%
124 Gibraltar 50.24%
125 Israel 50.23%
126 Gambia 50.21%
127 Myanmar 50.20%
128 Burkina Faso 50.19%
129 Cameroon 50.16%
130 Ecuador 50.14%
131 Sierra Leone 50.13%
132 Botswana 50.13%
133 Philippines 50.12%
134 Mongolia 50.11%
135 Liberia 50.09%
136 Montserrat 50.09%
137 Republic of Korea 50.08%
138 罢眉谤办颈测别 50.07%
139 Ghana 50.05%
140 Mauritius 50.02%
141 Suriname 50.01%
142 Syrian Arab Republic 50.01%
143 Congo 50.00%
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