Divorce has always been a part of married life, but some countries fare better than others. In Europe, a number of countries have some of the highest divorce rates on the continent. In this article, we’ll explore the European countries with the highest rates of divorce and the factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
What Is Divorce?
Before we explore the European countries with the highest divorce rates, it’s important to define what divorce is. Put simply, divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other authorized body. This is most commonly done on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, although other reasons such as adultery may also be specified. Divorce also sets out specific rights and obligations between the divorcing parties. It can be a lengthy process and usually involves a lawyer.
Divorce Law and Rates of Divorce Explained
The law governing divorce can vary greatly from country to country across Europe. The legalization of divorce in some countries like the United Kingdom and Spain has made it simpler to divorce. Other countries have stricter divorce laws in place. Additionally, cultural values also play a role in divorce rates. In some countries, there is strong social stigma attached to divorce, while in others it is much more accepted.
European Countries With Highest Rates of Divorce
Despite the differences in divorce law, the below European countries are home to some of the highest rates of divorce.
1. Estonia
With the highest rate of divorce in Europe, Estonia has a rate of 5.5 divorces per 1,000 population. This is double the European Union average of 2.6 divorces per 1,000 population. The primary reason for this high rate of divorce is speculated to be due to its liberal divorce laws, as it only requires two years of separation before a couple can file for divorce.
2. Latvia
Latvia has a relatively high rate of 4.9 divorces per 1,000 population. This is again primarily attributed to the country’s liberal divorce laws, which only requires one year of separation for couples to be able to file for divorce.
3. Lithuania
Another Baltics nation with an above-average divorce rate, Lithuania has 4.3 divorces per 1,000 population. The relatively low cost of filing for divorce is suggested to be the main reason for the high rate.
4. Russia
Russia has a rate of 4.2 divorces per 1,000 population, which is far higher than the European average. The high rate is often attributed to its low marriage rate in recent years, as well as its harsh divorce laws, which only pays out limited alimony in some cases.
5. France
Surprisingly, France is home to a relatively high rate of divorce with 4.1 cases per 1,000 population. The high rate is in stark contrast to the importance French culture places on marriage and the strongly-held view of marriage as an indissoluble bond.
6. Spain
Spain has a divorce rate of 3.7 divorces per 1,000 population. This is slightly higher than the European average, though still significantly lower than the Baltics countries. This is largely attributed to the country’s more conservative cultural values and its long history of remaining loyal to the Catholic Church.
Causes of Divorce in Europe
While divorce rates can differ greatly from country to country, there are a number of common factors when it comes to why marriages tend to become unstable.
Changing social values
Social values can change over time, which can in turn influence rates of divorce. As people become more independent and individualistic, traditional notions of marriage, such as the expectation of lifelong commitment, are becoming less and less common.
Financial pressures
Financial pressures can put a strain on even the most stable of marriages, and this applies just as much in Europe as it does anywhere else in the world. Financial difficulties, such as unemployment and debt, can take a toll on relationships and a lack of financial security can lead couples to turn to divorce instead of trying to stay together.
Rising numbers of young couples and second marriages
The divorce rate among young couples and those who get married for the second time is significantly higher than the rate among couples who have been married for a longer period of time. This is likely due to younger couples taking on more risk, such as having children and taking on more financial commitments before they are financially ready or mature enough to manage them.
Cultural attitudes
Cultural attitudes towards marriage also have a significant impact on divorce rates in Europe. In countries where divorce is viewed as a last resort or even taboo, couples may be more likely to stay together even in the face of difficulties. On the other hand, countries that are more relaxed about the institution of marriage are likely to have higher divorce rates.
Legal issues
The legislation governing divorce in each country can be extremely important in determining the likelihood of divorce. Laws that make it difficult to divorce, such as those that require lengthy delays or that restrict access to property and financial rights, can be seen as a deterrent to divorce. On the other hand, laws that make divorce a simpler process, such as no-fault divorce laws, can lead to higher divorce rates.
Divorce is a complex phenomenon and its prevalence varies greatly from country to country. The European countries with the highest divorce rates have a number of things in common, such as liberal divorce laws, changing social values and financial pressures. However, cultural attitudes and legal issues can also be major contributing factors to why some countries see higher rates of divorce than others.
Despite these differences, it is clear that divorce is a reality of married life and can be an emotionally difficult and expensive process. Before potentially considering divorce, it is important to consider all your options thoroughly and seek professional advice if necessary.
