Top 10 Countries Where Women Far Outnumber Men (2025)

In many parts of the world, the gender ratio remains close to equal but in some countries, women significantly outnumber men. Based on the latest 2025 data from World Population Review, here are the top 10 countries where women make up a noticeably larger share of the population.

1. Djibouti (1.20 females per male)

 

Djibouti ranks first in the world with about 1.2 females for every male. This small nation in the Horn of Africa has a unique demographic pattern influenced by labor migration. Many men in Djibouti leave to work in neighboring countries, particularly in shipping, transport, and construction sectors that rely heavily on male labor. Over time, this has left behind a higher proportion of women in the population.

Another factor is the country’s gradual shift toward urban living. As more men travel for work or relocate abroad, women have taken on stronger community and economic roles in Djibouti’s cities. Despite its small size, Djibouti’s gender ratio reflects broader regional trends in East Africa where migration and job opportunities abroad can shape population balance.

2. Hong Kong (1.16 females per male)

Hong Kong’s gender ratio shows about 1.16 females for every male, one of the highest in Asia. The difference comes largely from longer female life expectancy and a lower birth rate among men. Women in Hong Kong have an average life expectancy of around 87 years, one of the longest in the world.

Cultural and social factors also play a role. Women in Hong Kong often pursue higher education and professional careers, contributing to an older and more urbanized female population. Meanwhile, male migration to other regions for work has slightly reduced the number of men locally. This combination of long life expectancy and migration patterns has made Hong Kong one of Asia’s most female-dominant societies in 2025.

3. Lithuania (1.16 females per male)

Lithuania also records about 1.16 females for every male, matching Hong Kong’s ratio but for very different reasons. In Lithuania and much of Eastern Europe, men tend to have shorter life expectancy than women due to lifestyle and health factors. This gap, combined with an aging population, creates a natural tilt toward more women.

Another important factor is emigration. Many younger Lithuanian men move abroad for job opportunities in Western Europe, leaving behind a higher proportion of women in the home population. The result is a demographic where women dominate not just in numbers but also in social life, education, and community involvement. Lithuania is a clear example of how health and migration together can shape population balance in modern Europe.

4. The Bahamas (1.16 females per male)

In the Caribbean, The Bahamas stands out with roughly 1.16 females for every male. The country’s gender gap is influenced by social progress, migration, and education. Over the past few decades, women in The Bahamas have achieved higher levels of education and professional participation. Many hold key positions in government, finance, and tourism, which is the nation’s main economic driver.

At the same time, more Bahamian men tend to migrate abroad in search of work, particularly to the United States. This outflow has slightly reduced the number of men in the local population. The result is a strong and growing community of educated, working women who play central roles in both family and society. The Bahamas represents a modern example of how opportunity and mobility can change gender ratios in small island nations.

5. Russia (1.15 females per male)

Russia has one of the most noticeable gender imbalances in the world, with about 1.15 females for every male. This pattern has persisted for decades and is closely tied to the country’s history and health trends. Men in Russia have a significantly lower life expectancy than women, influenced by health-related issues and lifestyle factors.

The gender gap becomes especially visible among older age groups, where women make up a much larger percentage of the population. Many rural towns and cities have a strong female presence, with women taking on leading roles in both family and community life. While modern Russia continues to evolve socially and economically, this long-standing demographic divide remains one of the most pronounced in Europe.

6. Latvia (1.15 females per male)

Latvia mirrors much of Eastern Europe’s demographic pattern with around 1.15 females for every male. One major factor is the country’s aging population, which, combined with higher male mortality rates, results in a larger female population.

Another factor is emigration. Since joining the European Union, many younger Latvian men have moved abroad to work in countries like Germany, the UK, and Norway. This movement has left behind a slightly older and more female-dominated population at home. In Latvia’s cities, women often outnumber men in universities, workplaces, and even in local government roles, creating a demographic shift that continues to shape the country’s social structure.

7. Belarus (1.14 females per male)

Belarus records roughly 1.14 females for every male, continuing the trend seen across many parts of Eastern Europe. The reasons are similar: an aging population, higher male death rates, and outward migration among younger men.

What makes Belarus unique is its social stability and relatively balanced urban-rural split. While cities like Minsk show a clear female majority, smaller towns also reflect the same pattern, especially among retirees. As the country’s population continues to age, the proportion of women compared to men is expected to rise even further in the coming years.

8. Anguilla (1.14 females per male)

Anguilla, a small British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, has about 1.14 females for every male. The difference is subtle but significant for such a small island population. Migration is a major factor here, with many men working in nearby Caribbean islands or the United Kingdom.

Women in Anguilla are active in business, education, and tourism, which are key sectors of the local economy. The island’s gender ratio also reflects its strong community ties and family networks, where women often play central roles in maintaining both social and economic balance.

9. Puerto Rico (1.12 females per male)

Puerto Rico’s gender ratio stands at 1.12 females for every male, a pattern shaped by migration and economic opportunities abroad. For decades, many Puerto Rican men have relocated to the U.S. mainland to work, particularly in construction, logistics, and agriculture.

As a result, the island’s population has gradually become more female-dominant. Women now make up a strong part of the workforce in education, health care, and local governance. This shift has also influenced Puerto Rican culture, as women increasingly drive community initiatives and leadership roles across the island.

10. Moldova (1.12 females per male)

Moldova rounds out the top ten with approximately 1.12 females for every male. The imbalance is driven by emigration and the country’s aging demographics. Many Moldovan men travel abroad to work in construction or seasonal labor markets across Europe, leaving a higher number of women at home.

At the same time, Moldova’s population is aging, and women tend to live much longer than men. This makes the gender gap particularly noticeable among older adults. Despite its small size, Moldova’s situation reflects a broader European pattern where longevity and migration combine to give women a numerical advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some countries have more women than men?

From what I’ve seen in my travels, this usually comes down to a few key things. In many countries, women simply live longer than men. In others, a lot of men migrate abroad for work, especially in industries like construction and shipping. When that happens, more women remain in the local population. In parts of Europe and the Caribbean, aging also plays a big role. As the population grows older, women naturally become the majority because they tend to live longer.

Which continent has the most countries where women outnumber men?

That would be Europe. Countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Belarus have some of the highest female-to-male ratios in the world. I’ve noticed that in these places, the population is generally older, and many younger men move abroad for better jobs. So when you add migration and longer female life expectancy together, you end up with more women than men.

Is having more women than men a bad thing?

Not at all. In fact, I think it says something positive about improvements in health and equality. More women in the population often means women are living longer, studying more, and taking up stronger roles in society. Of course, it can create some challenges, like a smaller labor force or changes in family patterns, but overall it reflects social progress.

Which countries have more men than women?

The opposite situation exists in countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. I’ve been to the UAE, and the reason is clear there. These places attract a lot of male migrant workers, especially in construction and logistics. Because so many men come to work on temporary contracts, the population balance tilts in their favor.

What causes gender imbalance in populations?

It’s a mix of many things. In developed countries, longer life expectancy among women is the biggest reason. In developing countries, migration, conflict, or employment trends can shape the numbers. Cultural expectations can also influence family size and gender preferences in some regions.

Will the global gender ratio ever balance out?

That’s hard to say. From what I’ve learned, the gap may close a little as healthcare improves and living conditions even out. But differences will always exist because migration and aging will keep shaping populations. For now, women remain the majority in many parts of Europe and the Caribbean, and that pattern is likely to continue for years to come.