In human history, cousin marriage was widely accepted and even encouraged in many cultures. This practice served several practical purposes. Politically, it helped establish and strengthen alliances between influential families. Economically, it enabled families to preserve wealth, property, and inheritance within trusted family networks. Socially, marrying a cousin was often considered advantageous because of shared family backgrounds, cultural traditions, and mutual understanding. From European royal dynasties to rural communities around the world, cousin marriage was historically regarded as a strategic way to maintain family ties, protect assets, and strengthen social stability.
However, advances in medical science and genetics have raised greater awareness of the potential health risks associated with cousin marriage, particularly the increased likelihood of certain inherited genetic disorders in offspring. As a result, the practice has come under greater scrutiny in many parts of the world. Today, some countries have introduced legal restrictions on cousin marriage, while others discourage it through public health guidance and education. Nevertheless, the practice continues in various communities, where it remains rooted in cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and longstanding social customs.
Below explores the countries where cousin marriage still exists;
01. Pakistan
Pakistan has the highest occurrence of cousin marriages in the world, as they make up 61.2% of all marriages. Pakistan is a country in South Asia. It is the fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million.
02. Kuwait
Cousin marriages, particularly among first cousins, are very much accepted in Kuwait’s society. About 54.3% of all marriages are between cousins. Historically, Kuwait’s social structure places special emphasis on family and tribe. Marriages between cousins are seen as a logical way to boost familial bonds and tribal alliances.
03. Qatar
Qatar has a deep-rooted culture of cousin marriages, especially in certain groups and ethnicities. On average, 54% of marriages take place within the family, specifically between cousins. One of the main reasons for cousin marriages is the preference for familiarity and trust. It is assumed that cousins are more likely to understand family dynamics, values, customs, and backgrounds. The likelihood of cultural clashes and misunderstandings is also lessened in such an arrangement.
04. United Arab Emirates
It is quite common for first cousins to get married in the UAE. In fact, it is so prevalent that almost 50% of the marriages in the country are between cousins. Cousin marriages are a culturally accepted norm in this society and have been practiced for centuries. Historically, cousin marriages were used to strengthen alliances, consolidate power, and preserve family lineage.
05. Afghanistan
Afghanistan has a high rate of cousin marriages when compared to other countries in the world, at around 49%. Social and religious traditions dictate that these decisions are often made by parents and elders in the family.
01. Pakistan
Pakistan has the highest occurrence of cousin marriages in the world, as they make up 61.2% of all marriages. Pakistan is a country in South Asia. It is the fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million.
02. Kuwait
Cousin marriages, particularly among first cousins, are very much accepted in Kuwait’s society. About 54.3% of all marriages are between cousins. Historically, Kuwait’s social structure places special emphasis on family and tribe. Marriages between cousins are seen as a logical way to boost familial bonds and tribal alliances.
03. Qatar
Qatar has a deep-rooted culture of cousin marriages, especially in certain groups and ethnicities. On average, 54% of marriages take place within the family, specifically between cousins. One of the main reasons for cousin marriages is the preference for familiarity and trust. It is assumed that cousins are more likely to understand family dynamics, values, customs, and backgrounds. The likelihood of cultural clashes and misunderstandings is also lessened in such an arrangement.
04. United Arab Emirates
It is quite common for first cousins to get married in the UAE. In fact, it is so prevalent that almost 50% of the marriages in the country are between cousins. Cousin marriages are a culturally accepted norm in this society and have been practiced for centuries. Historically, cousin marriages were used to strengthen alliances, consolidate power, and preserve family lineage.
05. Afghanistan
Afghanistan has a high rate of cousin marriages when compared to other countries in the world, at around 49%. Social and religious traditions dictate that these decisions are often made by parents and elders in the family.
One of the main reasons for the high prevalence of cousin marriage is economics. Marriages within the family are often less expensive, with lower dowry expectations and shared wedding expenses. Cousin marriages lead to the retention of land, homes, and other resources within the family.
06. Iran
Cousin marriage remains a significant social practice in Iran, although its prevalence has been declining, particularly in urban areas. Nevertheless, it continues to be relatively common, accounting for an estimated 39.5% of marriages in the country. Historically, marriages between relatives were regarded as a strategic means of strengthening family ties, preserving wealth, and consolidating social and political influence. Over the centuries, these practices became deeply rooted in Iranian cultural traditions and gained widespread social acceptance.
07. Egypt
Cousin marriage remains relatively common in Egypt, accounting for approximately 30% of all marriages. However, the prevalence of this practice has been declining, particularly in urban areas, as social attitudes and lifestyle preferences continue to evolve.
06. Iran
Cousin marriage remains a significant social practice in Iran, although its prevalence has been declining, particularly in urban areas. Nevertheless, it continues to be relatively common, accounting for an estimated 39.5% of marriages in the country. Historically, marriages between relatives were regarded as a strategic means of strengthening family ties, preserving wealth, and consolidating social and political influence. Over the centuries, these practices became deeply rooted in Iranian cultural traditions and gained widespread social acceptance.
07. Egypt
Cousin marriage remains relatively common in Egypt, accounting for approximately 30% of all marriages. However, the prevalence of this practice has been declining, particularly in urban areas, as social attitudes and lifestyle preferences continue to evolve.
Despite these changes, traditional and conservative values continue to influence many aspects of Egyptian society. In some families, cousin marriages may be informally proposed when the children are still young, sometimes with the intention of reserving a daughter for a male cousin in the future. Such arrangements reflect longstanding cultural traditions and the importance placed on maintaining family ties.
08. Israel
Cousin marriage is relatively uncommon in Israel compared with several other countries in the region, accounting for approximately 10% of marriages overall and occurring primarily within certain minority communities. Among the majority Jewish population, such marriages are rare.
Among Arab citizens of Israel, who constitute approximately 21% of the country's population, the prevalence of cousin marriage is estimated to range from 20% to 45%, particularly in more traditional communities. In some groups, the rate may exceed 50%. Although these communities represent a minority of the overall population, their higher rates of cousin marriage contribute to the national average.
09. India
India is characterized by remarkable cultural, religious, and regional diversity, and the prevalence of cousin marriage varies considerably among its communities and ethnic groups. The overall rate of cousin marriage is estimated at approximately 7.5%, although the figures differ significantly across regions and social groups.
In southern India, certain forms of cousin marriage, including cross-cousin marriage and, in some communities, marriage between a man and his maternal uncle’s daughter, are culturally accepted. In contrast, such unions are generally discouraged or prohibited by customary practices in many northern Indian communities. Cousin marriage is also practiced among some Muslim communities across different parts of the country, reflecting diverse cultural traditions and family customs.
10. El Salvador
Although cousin marriage is less prevalent in El Salvador than in many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, it is considered socially acceptable in some communities, particularly in rural and traditional settings. The estimated rate of cousin marriage in the country is approximately 4.9%.
Sources: (World Population Review) (Encyclopedia) (BBC)
08. Israel
Cousin marriage is relatively uncommon in Israel compared with several other countries in the region, accounting for approximately 10% of marriages overall and occurring primarily within certain minority communities. Among the majority Jewish population, such marriages are rare.
Among Arab citizens of Israel, who constitute approximately 21% of the country's population, the prevalence of cousin marriage is estimated to range from 20% to 45%, particularly in more traditional communities. In some groups, the rate may exceed 50%. Although these communities represent a minority of the overall population, their higher rates of cousin marriage contribute to the national average.
09. India
India is characterized by remarkable cultural, religious, and regional diversity, and the prevalence of cousin marriage varies considerably among its communities and ethnic groups. The overall rate of cousin marriage is estimated at approximately 7.5%, although the figures differ significantly across regions and social groups.
In southern India, certain forms of cousin marriage, including cross-cousin marriage and, in some communities, marriage between a man and his maternal uncle’s daughter, are culturally accepted. In contrast, such unions are generally discouraged or prohibited by customary practices in many northern Indian communities. Cousin marriage is also practiced among some Muslim communities across different parts of the country, reflecting diverse cultural traditions and family customs.
10. El Salvador
Although cousin marriage is less prevalent in El Salvador than in many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, it is considered socially acceptable in some communities, particularly in rural and traditional settings. The estimated rate of cousin marriage in the country is approximately 4.9%.
Sources: (World Population Review) (Encyclopedia) (BBC)
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