The sex ratio, or gender ratio, is a demographic term referring to the ratio of males to females in a population. It is an expression of the number of males for every 100 females. The ideal ratio is somewhere from 105 to 107:100, which means 105 to 107 men for every 100 women. This ideal ratio was first documented in 1710 and several other studies have confirmed those figures. Where men are more than females, problems such as homicide and violence may arise. Where women are more than men, a disparity in income earned between the two sexes is likely to affect the economy of a nation. The number of men is slightly more than the number of women in the world. However, there are countries where women outnumber men, as per World Bank data.

10 Countries Where Women Far Outnumber Men

Latvia

Latvia is a former Soviet Union country and experienced a great decline in the male population during World War Two. By 2015, there were 84.8 males for every 100 females. The proportion of the female was 54.10% of the total population. Men in Latvia have a high mortality rate due to issues such as alcoholism, smoking, and careless car driving. Around 80% of suicides in Latvia are committed by men, often because of unemployment and unrealized financial goals. Women enjoy a longer life expectancy living 11 years more than men.

Lithuania

The gender gap in Lithuania can be attributed to several factors that increase the mortality rate of men. The number of men who smoke is greater than that of women, and that exposes them to many health risks. Mental illnesses, depression, suicide, and high risk-taking culture further reduce the life expectancy of the male population. Women are estimated to live to 79.3 whereas men live to 68.1. The gender gap is more pronounced between the ages of 30 to 40. The female population in 2015 was 54.00% of the total population.

Curacao

Curacao's female population was 53.90% of the total population in 2015. There is a gender difference of 92 men for every 100 women. The life expectancy is 80.2 years for females and 72.4 years for men. The majority of women are in the age bracket of 15-64 years and experience a higher life expectancy than men.

Ukraine

Women in Ukraine make up 53.70% of the population. Since it was a Soviet Union nation, Ukraine’s gender disparity is traced back to World War Two. Life expectancy for either gender is 64 years. However, men live to an average of 62 years while for the female, it is 74 years. Many men in Ukraine are affected by mental and other health problems that decrease their life expectancy. When coupled with high levels of emigration, the two factors reduce the country’s male population.

Far Reaching Implications Of Gender Gaps

In most countries across the world, there are more men than women. Countries with more females are not that many. The gender imbalance in these countries can be traced back to war and conflicts. Studies show that this disparity is not desirable. These countries have a large number of well- educated women who earn a high level of income but cannot find partners. Gender disparities in wages also put an economic strain on these countries. 

Top 10 Countries Where Women Outnumber Men