10 countries where the population of women is higher than that of men

In most parts of the world, the number of men and women is almost equal. But in some countries, the scales tip noticeably, with women making up a larger share of the population. And this isn’t just by chance– it usually comes down to real-life factors like men moving abroad for work, women living longer, or broader social and health issues.

Data from World Population Review (2023) shows that in some places, this gender gap is becoming more obvious. In a few, it’s just a slight difference. In others, it’s one of the biggest gaps seen anywhere in the world.

Here’s a look at 10 such countries and territories– and the reasons why more women live there than men:

In Djibouti, women make up nearly 55% of the population. A major reason is that many men leave the country to work abroad, especially in Gulf nations. This ongoing migration has left behind a noticeable gender gap, especially in cities.

There are more women than men in Hong Kong, and it’s mainly due to two things: a large number of female domestic workers, and the fact that women there live longer. This becomes more noticeable as the population ages.

Lithuania has had more women than men for years, especially among older age groups. That’s mostly because men tend to have more health problems and don’t live as long, which affects the country’s overall population numbers.

In The Bahamas, women make up a slightly larger portion of the population. This gender gap is mainly influenced by the country’s small population and the fact that women tend to live longer than men. Even small demographic changes can make the gap more noticeable in a nation of this size.

Russia is one of the best-known examples of a gender imbalance. Women outnumber men across most age groups. This is mostly due to higher male death rates caused by health issues, accidents, and even the long-term impact of past wars.

Belarus shows a similar pattern to Russia. Women make up a clear majority, especially in urban areas and among older people. The main reasons are shorter lifespans for men and an ageing population.

In Latvia, too, women outnumber men in most age groups. The reasons are familiar– men have more health problems and tend to live shorter lives, while women live longer, widening the gap over time.

Anguilla, a small British territory in the Caribbean, has a higher number of women than men. Due to its small overall population, even slight changes in age distribution or migration can noticeably affect the gender ratio. The imbalance is likely shaped more by longer female life expectancy and natural demographic trends than by large-scale male migration.

In Puerto Rico, the gender gap is mostly due to men moving to the U.S. mainland for jobs. Women, especially older ones, tend to stay, which has slowly changed the population balance over time.

Moldova’s gender imbalance is mainly because many men go abroad for work, especially to other European countries. Meanwhile, older women remain in cities and villages, gradually leading to more women than men across the country.

Disclaimer:
The demographic data cited in this article is based on figures from World Population Review (2023). The explanations for gender imbalances across countries are drawn from various publicly available online sources. The Times of India has not independently verified the reasons mentioned.

While these countries may differ in culture, size, and geography, the reasons behind their gender imbalances often follow a common thread. Longer female life expectancy, labour migration of men, and health disparities continue to shape these population patterns. In many cases, the gap is most visible among older age groups or in smaller populations where even subtle demographic shifts make a big difference. These numbers don’t just reflect statistics– they hint at deeper social, economic, and health dynamics playing out across regions.

While these numbers may seem like just statistics, gender imbalances can have real-world effects. They can influence everything from healthcare and education needs to workforce dynamics and social policies. In countries where women significantly outnumber men—especially in older age groups—governments often have to adjust their services to better support ageing female populations, many of whom live alone or face economic challenges. Understanding these trends helps policymakers and societies plan for a more balanced and inclusive future. It also highlights the importance of gender-sensitive planning, ensuring that public services, pensions, and healthcare systems evolve to meet the unique needs of a changing population.

Gender imbalances like these aren’t just numbers—they can shape a country’s economy, society, and future. When more women live in a region than men, it can affect everything from marriage patterns and family structures to the job market and healthcare needs. In places where the imbalance is driven by migration or ageing, governments often have to rethink their policies to support women, especially elderly women who may be living alone. These trends also highlight deeper issues like gendered life expectancy, access to healthcare, and the impact of economic migration—reminding us that behind every statistic, there’s a human story

These gender imbalances aren’t just about numbers—they point to bigger stories. They reflect how migration, economic pressures, health gaps, and ageing are shaping the world’s population in different ways. Understanding these trends can help governments and communities plan better for the future, especially when it comes to care, workforces, and social support.