Top Countries with Highest Male Circumcision Rates

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Top Countries with the Highest Male Circumcision Rates in 2025

Countries with Near-Universal Male Circumcision

1. Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, 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

   • Circumcision Rate: 99.9%
     These nations overwhelmingly practice male circumcision, often rooted in religious, cultural, or health practices. Many of these countries are predominantly Muslim, where circumcision holds significant religious importance.

2. Turkey

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   • Circumcision Rate: 98.6%
     With a strong Islamic heritage, Turkey maintains a high rate, aligning with cultural traditions and religious practices.

3. Ghana and Senegal

   • Circumcision Rate: 95%
     West African countries like Ghana and Senegal have traditional and religious practices that promote circumcision, making it a common rite of passage.

4. Indonesia

   • Circumcision Rate: 93%
     As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia consistently maintains high circumcision rates.

5. Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone

   • Circumcision Rate: 90%
     Cultural and religious traditions play vital roles here, with many customary procedures linked to community identity.

6. United States

   • Circumcision Rate: 80.5%
     The U.S. maintains a high but somewhat declining rate amid ongoing debates about health, ethics, and cultural preferences.

Countries with Moderate to Low Circumcision Rates

Notably High but Differing Regional Trends

• South Korea

  • Circumcision Rate: 75%
    Historically influenced by Western medical practices and cultural shifts, South Korea has seen a decline in circumcision rates over the past decade.

• Kazakhstan

  • Circumcision Rate: 65%
    The country’s cultural diversity influences its moderate rates, with traditional and religious factors at play.

• Mozambique

  • Circumcision Rate: 60%
    While traditionally less practiced, health campaigns are increasing circumcision for HIV prevention.

• Lebanon

  • Circumcision Rate: 59.7%
    Transitioning cultural norms influence current rates, with both traditional and secular communities.

• Albania

  • Circumcision Rate: 46.4%
    A European nation exhibiting diverse practices due to religious and social influences.

• Belize and Cyprus

  • Circumcision Rate: 45%
    These countries show a mixed approach based on cultural heritage and healthcare policies.

Countries with Notably Low Circumcision Rates

• South Africa

  • Circumcision Rate: 40%
    Initiatives linked to health awareness campaigns are changing perceptions, but traditional practices remain varied.

• Angola and Laos

  • Circumcision Rate: 35%
    Cultural beliefs and regional traditions largely influence these rates.

• New Zealand

  • Circumcision Rate: 33%
    A decline driven by medical consensus and cultural shifts.

• Mexico and Canada

  • Circumcision Rates: 31% and 30%, respectively
    Increasingly elective, with debates surrounding medical necessity and ethics.

Countries with Minimal or Rare Circumcision

• Japan

  • Circumcision Rate: 9%
    Circumcision remains largely uncommon and culturally non-essential.

• Myanmar

  • Circumcision Rate: 8.5%
    Traditional practices are less prevalent, with religious practices limited.

• Spain and Ireland

  • Circumcision Rates: 2-1%
    Medical and cultural reasons influence decision-making, often linked to medical procedures or religious reasons.

The Global Perspective in 2025

While many Muslim-majority and Middle Eastern nations continue to embrace circumcision as a cultural and religious norm, Western countries depict a trend toward reducing non-essential circumcisions. Health campaigns and changing perceptions about bodily autonomy are driving these shifts. Meanwhile, African and Asian countries show diverse practices influenced by cultural, religious, and health considerations.

The Impact of Cultural and Health Policies

Efforts in public health are influencing the rates significantly. For example, countries with high HIV rates or emerging health campaigns are increasing emphasis on circumcision for preventive health benefits. Conversely, in many European countries, the medical community increasingly advocates for personal choice, leading to decreased routine circumcision.

Future Trends and Considerations

Experts suggest that circumcision rates globally will continue to reflect shifts in medical guidance, cultural acceptance, and religious practices. Changing perceptions about personal autonomy and health impacts are likely to further influence these statistics, especially in countries with moderate rates that are open to policy reforms.

Stay tuned for more updates on how cultural and health practices continue to shape global demographics in 2025.

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