Top Countries with Highest Male Circumcision Rates

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Male Circumcision Rates Around the World in 2025: A Country-by-Country Breakdown

Countries with Near-Universal Circumcision

Several countries continue to report extremely high circumcision rates, often close to or at 99.9%. These nations typically have cultural, religious, or healthcare practices that favor routine circumcision, especially for male infants and children.

Afghanistan and Algeria are tied at the top, with nearly universal rates of 99.9%. The practice here is deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions, predominantly Islam, where male circumcision is a common rite of passage.
Countries such as Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mayotte, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Western Sahara all report 99.9%, showcasing a widespread regional pattern.

Notable Non-Middle Eastern/Central Asian Countries with High Rates

Turkey stands out with a circumcision prevalence of 98.6%, closely mirroring the middle eastern trend, reflecting cultural and religious practices.
In Africa, Ghana and Senegal maintain high rates at 95%. The emphasis on traditional and religious practices sustains these numbers.
Indonesia and Ethiopia follow with rates at 93% and 90%, respectively, indicating strong cultural or medical influences.

The United States and East Asian Countries

The U.S. exhibits a rate of approximately 80.5%, reflecting long-standing cultural practices, medical recommendations, and a significant healthcare infrastructure supporting circumcision.
South Korea reports a 75% rate, influenced by modern medical practices and cultural shifts.
In contrast, Kazakhstan and Mozambique have lower rates at 65% and 60%, respectively, indicating varied cultural attitudes toward circumcision.

European and Latin American Trends

Most European nations report lower circumcision rates, often below 20%. Cultural norms, religious diversity, and personal choice influence these figures.

Countries like Albania (46.4%), Belize (45%), and Cyprus (45%) demonstrate moderate practices, often linked to religion or medical procedures.
Romania and Serbia both report about 20%, aligning with Western European norms where circumcision is less common unless for religious reasons.

Countries with Minimal Practice

Cuba, Ireland, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Italy, Cambodia, and Spain have circumcision rates from 1% to 3%, showing that the procedure is generally uncommon or practiced mainly for specific medical or cultural reasons.
Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and other Scandinavian countries have rates consistently at 5%, reflecting varying cultural attitudes towards circumcision.

Global Variations and Cultural Influences

Circumcision practices are heavily influenced by cultural, religious, and medical factors. For example:

Middle Eastern and North African countries show almost universal rates due to Islamic traditions.
In contrast, most European and Latin American countries have low rates, emphasizing personal choice and religious diversity.
The Asia-Pacific region displays a mixed profile, with higher rates in countries like Indonesia and lower rates elsewhere.

Recent Trends and Changes

In 2025, some regions report slight increases due to medical research emphasizing health benefits, such as reduced transmission of certain infections and better hygiene. Conversely, some countries see declining rates driven by changing cultural attitudes and increased emphasis on bodily autonomy.

Conclusion: The Global Landscape of Male Circumcision in 2025

The data demonstrates a broad spectrum of circumcision prevalence worldwide, primarily driven by cultural and religious adherence. Countries with dominant Muslim or Jewish populations tend to maintain high rates, whereas European nations lean toward minimal practice. As medical insights evolve, some countries may adjust their practices, but cultural roots continue to shape the landscape.

Note: These figures are drawn from sources such as WHO, DHS surveys, and recent studies up to 2025. Given the dynamic nature of cultural practices, numbers may shift, and ongoing research is essential to keep data current.

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