Top 5 countries with the highest twin birth rates
Twinning has fascinated people for ages, and research shows that some regions and countries of the world experience higher twin birth rates than others.
A recent study across 76 developing nations highlights significant variations, with Central Africa leading in twinning rates—especially Benin.
Here are five countries where twin births are most common:
1. Benin
Benin has the world’s highest natural twin birth rate, with 27.9 twins per 1,000 births. This is largely due to genetics, particularly among certain ethnic groups. The country’s high twinning rate makes it a key area for research.
2. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
With 24.9 twins per 1,000 births, Ivory Coast closely follows Benin. Genetics play a major role, with shared hereditary traits increasing the likelihood of fraternal twins.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria, especially its southwest, is famous for twin births. The Yoruba ethnic group, particularly in Igbo-Ora (nicknamed the “Twin Capital of the World”), has an exceptionally high rate of twins. Nearly every family in the area is believed to have at least one set of twins.
4. Central African Republic
This country also has a high twin birth rate, mainly due to genetics. Many twin births here are fraternal, driven by hereditary traits that make multiple births more common than in most parts of the world.
5. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Twin births are frequent in the DRC due to genetic and environmental factors. Rural communities, with limited access to fertility treatments, still experience high natural twin conception rates.
