Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth 2006

Explore the global average sex ratio at birth, highlighting the natural baseline in different countries.

236 data points•Updated 9/24/2026•Global Coverage•Sex ratio at birth | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Holy See	200 male/female
2	Tokelau	123.077 male/female
3	Saint Helena	118.182 male/female
4	China	117.482 male/female
5	Andorra	116.667 male/female
6	Azerbaijan	115.96 male/female
7	Armenia	115.737 male/female
8	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	113.889 male/female
9	China, Hong Kong SAR	111.293 male/female
10	British Virgin Islands	111.111 male/female
11	Albania	111.003 male/female
12	Maldives	110.286 male/female
13	San Marino	110.067 male/female
14	Isle of Man	109.639 male/female
15	Georgia	109.405 male/female
16	American Samoa	109.317 male/female
17	Taiwan	109.287 male/female
18	India	109.185 male/female
19	Northern Mariana Islands	109.109 male/female
20	South Korea	109.001 male/female
21	Tuvalu	108.772 male/female
22	Brunei Darussalam	108.76 male/female
23	Estonia	108.578 male/female
24	Guernsey	108.136 male/female
25	Montenegro	108.009 male/female
26	Tonga	107.895 male/female
27	Tunisia	107.818 male/female
28	Philippines	107.435 male/female
29	Turkmenistan	107.428 male/female
30	Cook Islands	107.333 male/female
31	Vietnam	107.177 male/female
32	Iran	107.133 male/female
33	Timor-Leste	107.107 male/female
34	Marshall Islands	107.087 male/female
35	Papua New Guinea	107.065 male/female
36	Samoa	106.982 male/female
37	Pakistan	106.94 male/female
38	Palau	106.923 male/female
39	Wallis and Futuna Islands	106.897 male/female
40	Guam	106.881 male/female
41	Libya	106.852 male/female
42	Cyprus	106.819 male/female
43	Malaysia	106.807 male/female
44	North Macedonia	106.705 male/female
45	Vanuatu	106.692 male/female
46	Fiji	106.669 male/female
47	Saudi Arabia	106.637 male/female
48	Bosnia and Herzegovina	106.6 male/female
49	Solomon Islands	106.55 male/female
50	El Salvador	106.409 male/female
51	Kiribati	106.397 male/female
52	Slovenia	106.395 male/female
53	Luxembourg	106.345 male/female
54	Spain	106.337 male/female
55	Italy	106.315 male/female
56	Thailand	106.144 male/female
57	Faroe Islands	106.122 male/female
58	Cuba	106.066 male/female
59	French Polynesia	106.048 male/female
60	Switzerland	105.997 male/female
61	Portugal	105.94 male/female
62	Croatia	105.901 male/female
63	Czech Republic	105.899 male/female
64	Myanmar	105.884 male/female
65	Uzbekistan	105.874 male/female
66	Poland	105.799 male/female
67	Sweden	105.746 male/female
68	Argentina	105.731 male/female
69	New Caledonia	105.714 male/female
70	Puerto Rico	105.71 male/female
71	Bulgaria	105.699 male/female
72	Belarus	105.651 male/female
73	Ukraine	105.633 male/female
74	Afghanistan	105.61 male/female
75	Ireland	105.589 male/female
76	Hungary	105.575 male/female
77	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	105.556 male/female
78	Slovakia	105.545 male/female
79	Israel	105.536 male/female
80	Qatar	105.531 male/female
81	Indonesia	105.51 male/female
82	Australia	105.485 male/female
83	Malta	105.481 male/female
84	United Arab Emirates	105.461 male/female
85	Turkey	105.42 male/female
86	Venezuela	105.417 male/female
87	Canada	105.405 male/female
88	North Korea	105.4 male/female
89	Russia	105.373 male/female
90	Germany	105.362 male/female
91	Tajikistan	105.359 male/female
92	Iraq	105.309 male/female
93	Seychelles	105.3 male/female
94	Japan	105.288 male/female
95	Netherlands	105.228 male/female
96	Kazakhstan	105.212 male/female
97	Yemen	105.14 male/female
98	Greece	105.128 male/female
99	Kyrgyzstan	105.1 male/female
100	Kuwait	105.048 male/female
101	Honduras	105.015 male/female
102	Denmark	105.01 male/female
103	Ethiopia	104.959 male/female
104	Singapore	104.93 male/female
105	Norway	104.924 male/female
106	United Kingdom	104.883 male/female
107	Republic of Moldova	104.851 male/female
108	Iceland	104.82 male/female
109	Bhutan	104.808 male/female
110	Syrian Arab Republic	104.807 male/female
111	Algeria	104.806 male/female
112	United States	104.803 male/female
113	Greenland	104.796 male/female
114	Paraguay	104.792 male/female
115	Uruguay	104.792 male/female
116	New Zealand	104.762 male/female
117	Belgium	104.755 male/female
118	Panama	104.749 male/female
119	Chile	104.676 male/female
120	France	104.611 male/female
121	China, Macao SAR	104.577 male/female
122	Egypt	104.522 male/female
123	Nepal	104.512 male/female
124	Liechtenstein	104.494 male/female
125	Aruba	104.47 male/female
126	Costa Rica	104.463 male/female
127	Romania	104.444 male/female
128	Cambodia	104.442 male/female
129	Colombia	104.406 male/female
130	Dominican Republic	104.399 male/female
131	State of Palestine	104.375 male/female
132	Ecuador	104.318 male/female
133	Nauru	104.255 male/female
134	Western Sahara	104.199 male/female
135	Gibraltar	104.188 male/female
136	Austria	104.177 male/female
137	Cabo Verde	104.141 male/female
138	Laos	104.115 male/female
139	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	104.084 male/female
140	Oman	104.069 male/female
141	Réunion	104.065 male/female
142	Curaçao	104.02 male/female
143	Brazil	104.002 male/female
144	Grenada	103.902 male/female
145	Jordan	103.897 male/female
146	Finland	103.831 male/female
147	Trinidad and Tobago	103.823 male/female
148	Bermuda	103.768 male/female
149	Guinea	103.725 male/female
150	South Africa	103.713 male/female
151	Benin	103.694 male/female
152	Latvia	103.685 male/female
153	Chad	103.674 male/female
154	Serbia	103.668 male/female
155	Lithuania	103.645 male/female
156	Bolivia	103.633 male/female
157	Monaco	103.623 male/female
158	Belize	103.579 male/female
159	Jamaica	103.551 male/female
160	Sudan	103.55 male/female
161	Burkina Faso	103.549 male/female
162	United States Virgin Islands	103.549 male/female
163	Somalia	103.544 male/female
164	Morocco	103.522 male/female
165	Mongolia	103.51 male/female
166	Sri Lanka	103.484 male/female
167	Mexico	103.454 male/female
168	Nigeria	103.449 male/female
169	Niger	103.413 male/female
170	Mauritius	103.41 male/female
171	Peru	103.368 male/female
172	French Guiana	103.354 male/female
173	Guadeloupe	103.296 male/female
174	Guyana	103.269 male/female
175	Bahrain	103.254 male/female
176	Suriname	103.193 male/female
177	Lebanon	103.14 male/female
178	Saint Lucia	103.135 male/female
179	Bangladesh	103.097 male/female
180	Mali	103.054 male/female
181	Djibouti	103.038 male/female
182	Senegal	103.029 male/female
183	Martinique	103.012 male/female
184	Ghana	102.944 male/female
185	Guinea-Bissau	102.922 male/female
186	Liberia	102.828 male/female
187	Nicaragua	102.81 male/female
188	Antigua and Barbuda	102.782 male/female
189	South Sudan	102.773 male/female
190	Madagascar	102.637 male/female
191	Guatemala	102.492 male/female
192	Comoros	102.436 male/female
193	Botswana	102.435 male/female
194	Togo	102.416 male/female
195	Mauritania	102.405 male/female
196	Mayotte	102.369 male/female
197	Haiti	102.369 male/female
198	Eritrea	102.368 male/female
199	Turks and Caicos Islands	102.347 male/female
200	Gambia	102.327 male/female
201	Eswatini	102.326 male/female
202	Central African Republic	102.28 male/female
203	Sierra Leone	102.122 male/female
204	Barbados	102.122 male/female
205	Sao Tome and Principe	102.102 male/female
206	Anguilla	102.062 male/female
207	Equatorial Guinea	101.969 male/female
208	Rwanda	101.901 male/female
209	Côte d'Ivoire	101.871 male/female
210	Bahamas	101.867 male/female
211	Jersey	101.804 male/female
212	Lesotho	101.677 male/female
213	Congo	101.584 male/female
214	Cameroon	101.522 male/female
215	Angola	101.395 male/female
216	Tanzania	101.389 male/female
217	Zimbabwe	101.277 male/female
218	Burundi	101.258 male/female
219	Kenya	101.102 male/female
220	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	101.079 male/female
221	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	100.957 male/female
222	Saint Martin (French part)	100.88 male/female
223	Gabon	100.868 male/female
224	Uganda	100.709 male/female
225	Dominica	100.571 male/female
226	Cayman Islands	100.562 male/female
227	Mozambique	100.455 male/female
228	Namibia	100.175 male/female
229	Zambia	99.898 male/female
230	Malawi	99.312 male/female
231	Saint Kitts and Nevis	97.541 male/female
232	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	96.296 male/female
233	Montserrat	96.154 male/female
234	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	95.349 male/female
235	Saint Barthélemy	91.304 male/female
236	Niue	80 male/female

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2006, the Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth was highest in the Holy See at 200 males per 100 females, with the global range spanning from 102.33 to 200.00. The average global sex ratio at birth during this year was 106.09, providing a baseline for understanding gender balance at birth across the world.

Understanding Global Variations in Sex Ratio at Birth

The variations in the Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth in 2006 can be attributed to a combination of cultural, economic, and policy influences. Countries like China with a sex ratio of 117.48 and Azerbaijan at 115.96 reflect the impact of historical preferences for male children, often exacerbated by policies such as the one-child policy in China. These preferences can lead to gender-selective practices, influencing the natural sex ratio at birth.

On the other hand, countries with lower ratios, such as Gambia (102.33) and Turks and Caicos Islands (102.35), typically adhere to natural birth trends without significant intervention. These figures suggest a closer alignment with the biological norm of slightly more males being born than females, a phenomenon observed globally.

Economic and Demographic Drivers

In regions where economic pressures are significant, such as China and India, the sex ratio at birth can be influenced by the perceived economic benefits of having male children who are traditionally seen as breadwinners. This economic reasoning is less prevalent in smaller or less economically pressured regions, such as Saint Helena with a ratio of 118.18, where demographic factors may play a more significant role.

Furthermore, countries like Armenia (115.74) and Andorra (116.67) illustrate how cultural norms and economic conditions can converge, leading to higher sex ratios at birth compared to the global average.

Significant Year-over-Year Changes

The year-over-year changes in the sex ratio at birth reveal interesting shifts. Notably, Andorra experienced the largest increase of +7.61 (7.0%), suggesting a significant change in either policy or societal attitudes. Similarly, Saint Helena saw an increase of +5.14 (4.5%), indicating possible demographic shifts or changes in birth registration practices.

Conversely, countries like the Faroe Islands witnessed a decrease of -3.50 (-3.2%), and China, Macao SAR decreased by -2.31 (-2.2%). These declines could be attributed to changes in government policies or shifts in public attitudes towards gender preference.

Implications of High and Low Ratios

High sex ratios at birth, such as those in the Holy See and China, can lead to long-term societal imbalances, including a surplus of males that may affect marriage patterns and social stability. These imbalances can have profound implications for future demographic trends and social structures.

In contrast, countries with lower ratios, like Gambia and Guatemala (102.49), might experience more balanced demographic outcomes. These countries may benefit from maintaining natural birth ratios, which can lead to more stable population growth and balanced gender dynamics.

Understanding these patterns is crucial for policymakers, demographers, and social scientists as they navigate the complex interplay between cultural norms, economic pressures, and demographic trends that shape the Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth in 2006

What country had the highest sex ratio at birth in 2006?

The Holy See had the highest sex ratio at birth in 2006, with 200 male/female.

Which country had the lowest sex ratio at birth in 2006?

Niue had the lowest sex ratio at birth in 2006, with 80 male/female.

What was the average sex ratio at birth across countries in 2006?

The average sex ratio at birth across countries in 2006 was 105 male/female.

What was the median sex ratio at birth for countries in 2006?

The median sex ratio at birth for countries in 2006 was 105 male/female.

Which countries were in the top 3 for sex ratio at birth in 2006?

The top 3 countries for sex ratio at birth in 2006 were Holy See, Tokelau, and Saint Helena.

How many countries were included in the dataset for sex ratio at birth in 2006?

The dataset for sex ratio at birth in 2006 included 236 countries.

Insights by country

Brazil

In 2006, Brazil's Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth was 104.00178 male/female, ranking #143 out of 236 countries. This figure is slightly above the global average, which typically hovers around 105 males for every 100 females. Contributing factors to Brazil's sex ratio include cultural preferences for male children and varying access to healthcare services across different regions, which can influence birth outcomes.

Liberia

In 2006, Liberia ranked #186 globally with a sex ratio at birth of 102.82848 male/female. This figure is slightly above the global average, which typically hovers around 105 male births for every 100 female births. Contributing factors to this ratio include Liberia's cultural preferences for male children and the effects of its recent history of conflict, which have influenced demographic trends and family structures.

Iceland

Iceland ranked #108 globally in 2006 with a Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 104.81984 male/female. This figure is slightly above the global average, which typically hovers around 105 male births for every 100 female births. The relatively balanced sex ratio in Iceland can be attributed to its strong healthcare system and cultural emphasis on gender equality, which may influence prenatal care and parental choices.

Réunion

In 2006, Réunion had a Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 104.064606 male/female, ranking #141 out of 236 countries. This figure is higher than the global average, which typically hovers around 105 male births for every 100 female births. Factors contributing to this ratio in Réunion include its unique demographic profile and cultural practices that may influence family planning and gender preferences.

Tokelau

In 2006, Tokelau achieved a remarkable Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 123.07692 male/female, ranking #2 out of 236 countries. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, which typically hovers around 105 male births for every 100 female births. The elevated sex ratio can be attributed to cultural preferences for male offspring, which is a common trend in various Pacific Island communities, influencing reproductive choices and family planning. Additionally, Tokelau's small population size may lead to more pronounced fluctuations in such demographic metrics.

El Salvador

In 2006, El Salvador ranked #50 globally with a Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 106.408806 male/female. This figure is higher than the global average, indicating a preference for male children, which is a common cultural trend in various regions. Contributing factors include traditional gender roles and economic considerations, where male offspring are often viewed as future providers, reflecting deep-rooted societal norms.

Burundi

In 2006, Burundi ranked #218 globally with a Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 101.25757 male/female. This figure is slightly above the global average, indicating a relatively balanced sex ratio compared to many countries that exhibit a preference for male children. Contributing factors to this ratio in Burundi include cultural norms surrounding gender and the influence of local health policies on family planning and prenatal care.

Honduras

In 2006, Honduras ranked #101 globally with a sex ratio at birth of 105.01543 male/female. This figure is higher than the global average, indicating a slight preference for male births, which is consistent with trends observed in many Latin American countries. Contributing factors include cultural norms favoring male offspring and socioeconomic conditions that influence family planning decisions in the region.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranked #100 globally with a Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 105.04843 male/female in 2006. This figure is slightly above the global average, indicating a typical preference for male children in many cultures. The relatively high sex ratio can be attributed to traditional societal norms and economic factors that influence family planning decisions in the region.

Albania

In 2006, Albania ranked #11 globally with a Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth of 111.003136 male/female. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a preference for male children prevalent in some cultures. Contributing factors include traditional gender roles and socio-economic pressures that favor males for inheritance and family lineage, which can influence reproductive choices and practices in the country.

Data Source

Sex ratio at birth | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive datasets on global development issues, including the sex ratio at birth across various countries. The dataset offers insights into demographic trends and disparities related to gender at the national level.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Global Average Sex Ratio at Birth data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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