By Erewunmi Peace

In many parts of the world, the population is fairly balanced between men and women. But in a surprising number of countries, women significantly outnumber men — and the reasons behind this trend are both fascinating and complex.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to recent global demographic data, countries like Russia, The Bahamas, Belarus, Ukraine, and Latvia have a notably higher number of women than men. For instance:

Russia: Women make up approximately 54% of the population.

The Bahamas: There are about 116 women for every 100 men.

Belarus and Latvia: Also show similar imbalances, particularly in older age groups.

This isn’t just random — there are key factors driving this global pattern.

Why Do Women Outnumber Men in These Countries?

1. Higher Male Mortality Rates
   In many of these nations, men tend to die younger than women. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and workplace-related injuries contribute to this trend, especially in parts of Eastern Europe.
2. Longer Life Expectancy for Women
   Women naturally live longer than men in most parts of the world. As people age, this widens the gender gap, particularly in countries with aging populations.
3. Migration Patterns
   In countries like The Bahamas and Hong Kong, female-dominated migration plays a role. For example, many women migrate for domestic or caregiving jobs, creating a female-heavy demographic.
4. Historical Factors
   Wars, especially the World Wars and regional conflicts, led to the loss of millions of men — impacting gender ratios in countries like Russia and Ukraine even decades later. Global Context

Globally, the sex ratio at birth favors males — about 105 boys are born for every 100 girls. However, due to higher male death rates, especially as people age, many countries shift toward a female-majority population over time.

Countries With the Widest Gaps

Here are some of the most notable countries where women outnumber men:

Country Female-to-Male Ratio

Russia 1.15:1
The Bahamas 1.16:1
Ukraine 1.14:1
Belarus 1.14:1
Latvia 1.13:1
Lithuania 1.12:1

What This Means for Society

The gender imbalance can have ripple effects across healthcare, economics, relationships, and policy. For example, countries with more women may prioritize maternal health, women’s employment, and elderly care systems more robustly.

This demographic reality highlights how deeply interconnected population trends are with history, culture, and socioeconomics. As nations continue to evolve, understanding these gender patterns becomes crucial for shaping inclusive policies.