India tops list of countries with lowest divorce rates

A ranking compiled from United Nations, Eurostat and national statistics shows that India has the world’s lowest recorded divorce rate, estimated at between 0.01 and 0.1 divorces per 1,000 residents. The next lowest rates are recorded in Sri Lanka (about 0.15 per 1,000), Vietnam (around 0.2), Guatemala (about 0.2) and Tajikistan (roughly 0.2). In India, multiple personal laws, strong social pressure for arranged marriage and recent legal reforms such as the ban on triple‑talaq limit divorces, although the registration system may under‑report cases in large cities. Sri Lanka’s restrictive divorce procedures require proof of fault and involve three overlapping legal systems, further discouraging separations. Vietnam’s law permits no‑fault divorce and equal rights for spouses, yet Confucian family values keep rural divorce rates low, while urban areas see a gradual rise as women gain economic independence. Guatemala’s low rate reflects a Catholic‑evangelical cultural backdrop.