IBGE data shows shifting family structures and single parenthood in Brazil

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reveals significant shifts in family structures across Brazil. In the state of Bahia, there are over 114,000 single fathers living with their children without a partner. This figure represents 2.8% of all families in the state and 6% of families where a father is physically present, both of which are higher than the national averages of 2.7% and 5.6%, respectively.

In terms of single motherhood, Bahia recorded 839,142 single mothers, accounting for 16.5% of the state's total households. Concurrently, Bahia has seen a rise in joint custody, which was adopted in 43.3% of divorces involving minors in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.

Other regional findings show that Sergipe and Bahia have the highest proportions of households headed solely by mothers. Conversely, states such as Santa Catarina and Mato Grosso have the highest numbers of fathers living with their children.