Here’s a list of notable countries where cousin marriage is legal. I put this together to show just how diverse the world is when it comes to marriage laws and customs. These countries span every continent and reflect a wide mix of traditions, religions, and legal systems. For some cultures, cousin marriage is part of everyday life. For others, it’s rare or even controversial. But legal or not, it’s important to understand the context because what’s normal in one part of the world might seem surprising in another.
Middle East & North Africa
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, cousin marriage is not only legal but also culturally common. In fact, in some countries, first cousin marriages make up a significant percentage of all marriages. The practice is often seen as a way to preserve family ties, maintain tribal or clan unity, and ensure that wealth, property, and even values stay within the extended family.
Religion also plays a role. Islam permits cousin marriage, and because many of the countries in this region are Muslim-majority, the practice is widely accepted and sometimes even encouraged. It’s not unusual for families to suggest a cousin as a potential match from a young age.
In these countries, cousin marriage is generally viewed through a cultural and practical lens, rather than a controversial one. While modern urban populations may be shifting away from the tradition, it still holds strong especially in rural areas.
Countries where cousin marriage is legal and widely practiced in this region include:
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Syria
- Yemen
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Libya
- Sudan
In places like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, this kind of marriage is seen as part of the social fabric. In Egypt and Lebanon, it’s common but also part of ongoing public health and social discussions, particularly around genetic risks in close-relative unions.
Asia
Asia is home to a wide variety of cultures, religions, and marriage customs so it’s no surprise that cousin marriage laws vary across the continent. In many parts of South Asia, cousin marriage is quite common. In other parts of Asia, the practice exists but may be less widespread or more culturally sensitive.
In countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, cousin marriage is deeply rooted in tradition and widely practiced across both rural and urban communities. It’s often seen as a way to strengthen family bonds, simplify marital arrangements, and ensure that trust and compatibility are already built into the relationship. In fact, it’s not uncommon for parents to begin discussing cousin matches early in a child’s life.
In India, the legal status of cousin marriage depends on religion and region. It is legal for Muslims, and also accepted among certain Hindu communities in South India. However, in many parts of North India, Hindu laws prohibit marriage between close blood relatives, including cousins, due to lineage-based restrictions (called gotra rules).
In Southeast Asia, cousin marriage is legal in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly among Muslim populations. However, it’s far less common in broader society, and many urban families prefer to marry outside of their extended families. In places like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan, the practice is legal, but the frequency varies depending on cultural background, tribe, or religion.
Countries in Asia where cousin marriage is legal include:
- Pakistan
- India (legal for Muslims and some Hindu communities)
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- Nepal
- Iran
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Turkey
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
Sub-Saharan Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, cousin marriage is legally permitted in most countries, though how common it is varies greatly from one region and ethnic group to another. Unlike the Middle East or parts of South Asia where cousin marriage is widespread, in Africa it tends to be more tied to specific tribes, rural traditions, and cultural practices than to national norms.
In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Somalia, cousin marriages are found mostly in specific communities or family systems. In some cases, they’re preferred because they help keep land, wealth, and family influence intact. For example, in some Hausa and Fulani communities in Nigeria, marrying a cousin is seen as a way to maintain family unity and trust.
In northern Ghana and parts of Mali and Senegal, traditional chiefs and elders sometimes support cousin marriages as part of preserving family heritage. However, in more urban and southern regions, people may see it as old-fashioned or even strange.
Across much of East Africa, the practice exists but isn’t particularly widespread. In countries like Kenya and Tanzania, cousin marriage is legal but not a strong part of the mainstream culture. It might be more common in rural areas or among families that still follow traditional clan structures.
Religion can also play a role. In Muslim communities, cousin marriage is often practiced based on religious acceptance, particularly in parts of Somalia, Sudan, and northern Nigeria. In Christian-majority areas, the practice tends to be less frequent and may carry some social stigma.
Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where cousin marriage is legal include:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Somalia
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Mali
- Niger
- Sudan
- Senegal
- Tanzania
Europe
In Europe, cousin marriage is legal in most countries, though it’s generally uncommon and not widely practiced. Unlike in parts of the Middle East, Asia, or Africa, where cousin marriage may be tied to religious or cultural traditions, in Europe the practice tends to exist on the margins. It is often among immigrant communities or as a personal choice rather than a cultural norm.
Countries like the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy allow cousin marriage without any legal restrictions. However, it’s often viewed with social discomfort, especially when it comes to first cousins. That said, it’s entirely legal, and some high-profile families (including European royal houses in history) have a long tradition of marrying within their bloodlines.
In Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, cousin marriage is also legal, but it comes with occasional public health conversations. Some medical professionals in these countries have voiced concern over the genetic risks of cousin marriage, especially in areas where it’s more commonly practiced due to migration patterns.
In Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, cousin marriage is legal but very rare. Cultural attitudes in these countries lean heavily toward marrying outside the family, and many people are surprised to learn that it’s even allowed.
In modern Europe, cousin marriage is often associated with first-generation immigrant families from regions where the practice is more common such as South Asia, the Middle East, or North Africa. It’s important to note, though, that European laws tend to focus on personal freedoms, so the choice to marry a cousin is left up to the individuals involved, regardless of broader cultural opinions.
European countries where cousin marriage is legal include:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- Germany
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Finland
North & South America
In both North and South America, cousin marriage is legal in many countries, though it’s generally not a cultural norm in most places. Attitudes toward the practice tend to be shaped more by modern family values and health awareness than by deep-rooted traditions or religion.
United States
In the United States, cousin marriage is a legal gray area. It’s allowed in about 20 states, including California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Colorado. In these states, first cousins can legally marry without any major restrictions.
However, in more than 25 other states, it is either completely banned or only allowed under certain conditions. For example, if both partners are above a certain age or agree to genetic counseling. States like Kentucky, Arkansas, Indiana, and Ohio have stricter laws, often influenced by concerns over potential birth defects or long-standing social taboos.
Despite being legal in parts of the U.S., cousin marriage is quite rare and usually not socially accepted in mainstream American culture. When it does happen, it tends to be viewed with curiosity, controversy, or sometimes even ridicule.
Canada
In Canada, cousin marriage is legal nationwide. There are no federal laws prohibiting it, and it’s treated like any other marriage under civil law. That said, much like in the U.S., it’s not culturally common. Most Canadians don’t consider it a standard or preferred option, and you’re unlikely to see it celebrated publicly.
Latin America
In Mexico and across much of South America (including countries like Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru) cousin marriage is generally legal, and in some rural or indigenous communities, it may still be practiced. However, it’s not widespread or central to the mainstream culture in these countries. Most people view it as an outdated tradition, though it still exists in some pockets of society.
In regions where large families live close together and where cultural ties remain strong, this sort of marriage may occur occasionally, but modern views are slowly phasing it out as urbanization and education increase.
Countries in North & South America where cousin marriage is legal:
- United States (varies by state)
- Canada
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Peru
- Chile
- Ecuador
Why Is Cousin Marriage Legal in Some Countries?
There are several reasons cousin marriage remains legal in many parts of the world:
- Cultural Tradition: In some communities, cousin marriage is a centuries-old practice.
- Religious Acceptance: Islam, for instance, permits cousin marriage and many Muslim-majority countries follow this.
- Family Dynamics: It can help preserve property, wealth, and land within the family.
- Trust and Familiarity: Parents may prefer relatives they know well as marriage partners for their children.
Health Concerns and Public Debates
One of the most cited concerns with cousin marriage is the increased risk of genetic disorders in offspring. While the risk is higher than in non-related couples, it varies depending on multiple factors, including community health history and genetic counseling availability. Some governments have discouraged cousin marriage through public health campaigns, while others have implemented restrictions or outright bans.
