Finding love and partnership is a universal human desire. Yet despite our shared hopes for connection, a significant portion of the global population is currently unpartnered.
Recent statistics suggest that singlehood is on the rise, with more people living without a spouse or romantic partner than ever before.
This trend raises important questions about modern relationships and the evolving nature of family.
So, just how many people around the world are flying solo?
According to the most recent data, an estimated 2.1 billion individuals worldwide are currently single.
Let’s take a look at the key stats of single people by age, gender, education, and other notable aspects.
Key Stats
- 89% of singles choose not to date because they believe they aren’t good at flirting.
- 75% of all singles consider being too picky a reason for not dating, but among women, this figure is even higher at 82.1%, suggesting that women tend to be pickier than men in dating.
- There are approximately 2.1 billion single people worldwide.
- Having a higher level of education reduces the likelihood of being single. 34% of American high school graduates are single, compared to only 25% of those with at least a bachelor’s degree.
- There are many reasons for not dating, but two common reasons are “bad luck in the past” (18%) and “health problems” (11%).
- The rate of single Americans is similar between men and women, with 31% of both genders being single.
- Between the ages of 30 and 49, Americans are least likely to be single, with only 23% in this age range being single.
How many single people in the world are there exactly?
- In the United States in 2021, 126.9 million adults were single.
- In Russia in 2012, there were 34.8 million single adults, with 17.6 million women and 17.2 million men. (TheDailybeast)
- Denmark had 2.93 million single/never married people in 2023, making up 49.29% of the population. (Statista)
- China had 200 million single adults as of 2018. (Statista)
- Canada had 18.27 million single individuals in 2022. (Statista)
- England and Wales had 28,392,544 single people in 2020. (Statista)
- In France in 2018, 27.7 million people, or 41.3% of the population, were single.
- Sweden had 5,656,900 unmarried individuals in 2022. (Statista)
- Iceland has 90,239 unmarried singles as of 2023. (Statista)
- The Netherlands had 8,851,656 singles as of 2023 who had never been married. (Statista)
- Belgium had 5,910,276 unmarried singles as of 2023. (Statista)
- In South Africa 51.85% of adults were single, totaling 30.7 million individuals as of 2022. (Statista)
Apart from the countries we talked about earlier, the United Nations has collected information about people’s marital status of around 1.6 billion singles in 216 different countries. Below are the findings.
Country Name | Number of Singles | Year of Data Collection |
---|---|---|
Afghanistan | 7,512,551 | 1979 |
Åland Islands | 15,567 | 2020 |
Albania | 1,190,569 | 2011 |
Algeria | 20,900,905 | 2008 |
American Samoa | 12,741 | 2000 |
Andorra | 33,125 | 2001 |
Angola | 7,023,131 | 2014 |
Anguilla | 7,449 | 2001 |
Antigua and Barbuda | 27,286 | 2001 |
Argentina | 15,652,412 | 2010 |
Armenia | 555,419 | 2019 |
Aruba | 52,474 | 2010 |
Australia | 6,668,910 | 2016 |
Austria | 3,627,956 | 2011 |
Azerbaijan | 4,106,658 | 2020 |
Bahamas | 226,028 | 2010 |
Bahrain | 833,800 | 2020 |
Bangladesh | 33,504,063 | 2001 |
Barbados | 150,558 | 2010 |
Belarus | 1,419,119 | 2019 |
Belize | 119,264 | 2010 |
Benin | 4,097,038 | 2002 |
Bermuda | 28,606 | 2016 |
Bhutan | 233,596 | 2017 |
Bolivia | 2,761,789 | 2012 |
Botswana | 824,998 | 2011 |
Brazil | 89,653,405 | 2010 |
British Virgin Islands | 3,108 | 2010 |
Brunei Darussalam | 208,604 | 2011 |
Bulgaria | 3,004,438 | 2011 |
Burkina Faso | 3,038,922 | 2006 |
Burundi | 2,182,797 | 2008 |
Cabo Verde | 136,284 | 1990 |
Cambodia | 7,414,871 | 2008 |
Cameroon | 3,157,081 | 1976 |
Cayman Islands | 16,343 | 2010 |
Central African Republic | 638,057 | 1988 |
Chad | 1,748,092 | 2009 |
Chile | 3,883,266 | 2002 |
China, Hong Kong SAR | 2,787,739 | 2016 |
China, Macao SAR | 169,866 | 2016 |
Colombia | 15,500,416 | 2018 |
Comoros | 125,715 | 1991 |
Congo | 595,606 | 1984 |
Cook Islands | 3,582 | 2011 |
Costa Rica | 2,414,332 | 2020 |
Côte d’Ivoire | 6,887,803 | 2014 |
Croatia | 1,699,822 | 2011 |
Cuba | 2,517,232 | 2012 |
Curaçao | 89,945 | 2011 |
Cyprus | 344,931 | 2011 |
Czechia | 4,559,236 | 2020 |
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea | 4,709,066 | 2008 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | 7,098,500 | 1984 |
Dominica | 29,638 | 2001 |
Dominican Republic | 1,783,601 | 2010 |
Ecuador | 3,960,653 | 2010 |
Egypt | 13,675,206 | 2017 |
El Salvador | 1,800,598 | 2007 |
Equatorial Guinea | 67,813 | 1983 |
Estonia | 618,104 | 2020 |
Eswatini | 348,671 | 2007 |
Ethiopia | 21,375,036 | 2007 |
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 1,403 | 2016 |
Faroe Islands | 27,821 | 2019 |
Fiji | 432,888 | 1986 |
Finland | 2,689,069 | 2020 |
French Polynesia | 125,300 | 2017 |
Gabon | 357,749 | 1993 |
Gambia | 306,572 | 1993 |
Georgia | 614,357 | 2014 |
Germany | 35,791,445 | 2020 |
Ghana | 7,087,098 | 2010 |
Gibraltar | 13,639 | 2012 |
Greece | 4,227,476 | 2011 |
Greenland | 16,308 | 2019 |
Grenada | 39,168 | 1981 |
Guadaloupe | 274,233 | 1999 |
Guam | 43,795 | 2010 |
Guatemala | 1,275,285 | 1990 |
Guernsey | 24,931 | 2001 |
Guinea | 2,396,787 | 2014 |
Guyana | 20,742 | 1980 |
Haiti | 1,735,207 | 1982 |
Honduras | 2,165,498 | 2001 |
Hungary | 4,345,661 | 2020 |
India | 510,945,030 | 2001 |
Indonesia | 61,104,880 | 2010 |
Iran (Islamic Republic of) | 20,154,626 | 2016 |
Iraq | 8,888,323 | 2013 |
Ireland | 2,544,176 | 2016 |
Isle of Man | 36,121 | 2011 |
Israel | 4,534,254 | 2018 |
Italy | 25,399,192 | 2020 |
Jamaica | 2,069,308 | 2011 |
Japan | 29,241,531 | 2015 |
Jersey | 37,206 | 2001 |
Jordan | 1,276,209 | 2004 |
Kazakhstan | 3,925,822 | 2009 |
Kenya | 14,164,090 | 2019 |
Kiribati | 18,149 | 2010 |
Kuwait | 781,721 | 2011 |
Kyrgyzstan | 2,778,975 | 2009 |
Lao People’s Democratic Republic | 1,295,493 | 2015 |
Latvia | 806,278 | 2021 |
Lebanon | 2,103,121 | 2007 |
Lesotho | 1,094,991 | 2006 |
Liberia | 1,186,347 | 2008 |
Libya | 1,957,519 | 2006 |
Liechtenstein | 16,132 | 2020 |
Lithuania | 1,189,740 | 2020 |
Luxembourg | 283,258 | 2020 |
Madagascar | 3,751,334 | 1993 |
Malawi | 4,279,990 | 2018 |
Malaysia | 15,025,866 | 2010 |
Maldives | 62,323 | 2014 |
Mali | 3,131,202 | 2009 |
Malta | 180,694 | 2011 |
Marshall Islands | 10,369 | 1999 |
Martinique | 252,081 | 1999 |
Mauritania | 538,196 | 1988 |
Mauritius | 526,856 | 2011 |
Mayotte | 68,314 | 2012 |
Mexico | 35,442,539 | 2021 |
Micronesia (Federated States of) | 25,233 | 2000 |
Monaco | 11,506 | 2008 |
Mongolia | 678,901 | 2020 |
Montenegro | 162,892 | 2011 |
Montserrat | 2,229 | 2011 |
Morocco | 8,396,873 | 2014 |
Mozambique | 3,779,116 | 2007 |
Myanmar | 16,167,031 | 2014 |
Namibia | 1,351,665 | 2018 |
Nepal | 7,383,186 | 2011 |
New Caledonia | 180,436 | 2014 |
New Zealand | 1,099,722 | 2018 |
Nicaragua | 1,447,338 | 2005 |
Niger | 1,827,500 | 2001 |
Nigeria | 45,437,673 | 2006 |
Niue | 741 | 2017 |
Norfolk Island | 635 | 2011 |
North Macedonia | 830,030 | 2002 |
Northern Mariana Islands | 22,462 | 2000 |
Norway | 2,837,531 | 2020 |
Oman | 1,399,673 | 2020 |
Pakistan | 37,331,800 | 2017 |
Palau | 4,914 | 2005 |
Panama | 717,701 | 2010 |
Papua New Guinea | 1,757,136 | 1980 |
Paraguay | 1,885,367 | 2002 |
Peru | 8,922,073 | 2017 |
Philippines | 56,454,504 | 2015 |
Pitcairn | 23 | 1993 |
Poland | 14,590,345 | 2011 |
Portugal | 4,272,977 | 2011 |
Puerto Rico | 1,134,766 | 2019 |
Qatar | 456,359 | 2010 |
Republic of Korea | 13,376,237 | 2015 |
Republic of Moldova | 1,479,476 | 2020 |
Republic of South Sudan | 1,877,511 | 2008 |
Reunion | 493,708 | 2006 |
Romania | 8,109,216 | 2012 |
Rwanda | 3,154,467 | 2012 |
Saint Helena ex. dep. | 1,788 | 2016 |
Saint Helena: Ascension | 431 | 2008 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 109 | 1996 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 19,284 | 1980 |
Saint Lucia | 38,934 | 2010 |
Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 1,201 | 2018 |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 31,974 | 2002 |
Samoa | 116,283 | 2016 |
San Marino | 13,306 | 2018 |
Sao Tome and Principe | 107,851 | 2012 |
Saudi Arabia | 5,244,463 | 2017 |
Senegal | 2,700,271 | 2002 |
Serbia | 1,530,699 | 2011 |
Seychelles | 49,731 | 2010 |
Sierra Leone | 1,330,242 | 2004 |
Singapore | 1,090,666 | 2020 |
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 13,114 | 2011 |
Slovakia | 2,388,534 | 2020 |
Slovenia | 1,042,556 | 2020 |
Solomon Islands | 125,477 | 1976 |
Spain | 20,374,860 | 2011 |
Sri Lanka | 9,055,541 | 2012 |
State of Palestine | 950,873 | 2017 |
Sudan | 5,156,720 | 2008 |
Suriname | 229,348 | 2012 |
Switzerland | 3,843,439 | 2019 |
Syrian Arab Republic | 4,596,060 | 1991 |
Tajikistan | 1,409,903 | 2010 |
Thailand | 16,957,652 | 2010 |
Timor-Leste | 171,629 | 2004 |
Togo | 1,503,776 | 2010 |
Tokelau | 268 | 2016 |
Tonga | 59,860 | 2016 |
Trinidad and Tobago | 480,149 | 2011 |
Tunisia | 5,694,177 | 2014 |
Turkey | 34,350,046 | 2013 |
Turks and Caicos | 10,592 | 2001 |
Tuvalu | 2,351 | 2017 |
Uganda | 7,185,644 | 2002 |
Ukraine | 7,984,415 | 2001 |
United Arab Emirates | 955,235 | 2005 |
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 29,670,148 | 2011 |
United Republic of Tanzania | 28,052,917 | 2012 |
United States Virgin Islands | 32,764 | 2000 |
Uruguay | 793,408 | 2011 |
Uzbekistan | 2,855,204 | 1989 |
Vanuatu | 44,693 | 2009 |
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 10,332,759 | 2011 |
Vietnam | 16,364,940 | 2019 |
Wallis and Futuna Islands | 6,721 | 2013 |
Western Sahara | 43,404 | 1970 |
Yemen | 4,202,740 | 1994 |
Zambia | 2,278,080 | 2010 |
Zimbabwe | 7,046,250 | 2002 |
Source: UN Data
Single American Stats: Year wise data
In 2005:
- Over half (55%) of Americans were not in a committed relationship or looking for one.
- Among the 55% who were single:
- 42% were single men.
- 65% were single women. (Pew Research Center, 2006)
In 2016:
- There were around 111 million unmarried Americans over the age of 18.
- 53% were women, and 47% were men.
In 2019:
- 31% of the U.S. adults were currently single.
- Half of these were surfing on online websites for dates or a relationship.
In 2020:
- Roughly 89.20 million people in the age group of 15 years were single Americans
- Of these, 47 million were males, and 41 million were females.
- Specifically, there were 89,028,650 single Americans in 2020.
- Among them, 47,510,290 were single males (never married), and 41,518,250 were single females (never married).
As of September 2021:
- Almost 51% of Americans, approximately 127 million people, were single.
Top Countries with Singles By Percentage
In a comprehensive analysis of countries with the highest percentage of singles aged 20 and older living alone, Denmark emerges as the leader, with a remarkable 24.1% of its adult population falling into this category.
France follows closely behind at 22.8%, making it the second most single-friendly nation in the study.
Finland and Belgium also exhibit notable percentages, with 19.6% and 19.5%, respectively, of their adult populations enjoying single living arrangements.
Further down the list, New Zealand (17.6%) and Switzerland (17.5%) present as attractive destinations for singles, rounding out the top 10.
Lower percentages may not necessarily indicate a lack of single adults but could reflect cultural differences in living arrangements.
Interestingly, the United States, known for its diverse population, finds itself in the 21st position with 13.4% of its adult population living alone and single
In contrast, Turkey, at the bottom of the list, only has 3.9% of its adult population fitting this category.
S.No | Country | Percentage |
---|---|---|
1 | Denmark | 24.1% |
2 | France | 22.8% |
3 | Finland | 19.6% |
4 | Belgium | 19.5% |
5 | Norway | 19.3% |
6 | Luxembourg | 19.1% |
7 | Australia | 18.5% |
8 | Estonia | 18.2% |
9 | New Zealand | 17.6% |
10 | Switzerland | 17.5% |
11 | Latvia | 16.5% |
12 | Austria | 16.5% |
13 | Germany | 16.4% |
14 | Netherlands | 15.8% |
15 | Japan | 15.5% |
16 | United Kingdom | 14.9% |
17 | Czech Republic | 14.8% |
18 | Slovakia | 14.6% |
19 | Lithuania | 14.2% |
20 | Bulgaria | 14.0% |
21 | United States | 13.4% |
22 | Hungary | 12.0% |
23 | Poland | 11.2% |
24 | Italy | 10.8% |
25 | Canada | 10.7% |
26 | Ireland | 10.6% |
27 | Slovenia | 9.6% |
28 | Spain | 8.6% |
29 | Greece | 8.0% |
30 | Romania | 7.6% |
31 | Malta | 7.0% |
32 | Portugal | 7.0% |
33 | Cyprus | 6.3% |
34 | Turkey | 3.9% |
Source: FiveThirtyEight
How Many Americans Die Single?
Overall, the death rate in the United States decreased slightly from 1,122.1 in 2010 to 1,074.3 in 2019 per 100,000 people.
When we delve into the specific marital status categories, a striking pattern emerges. In both 2010 and 2019, individuals who were “Never Married” experienced the highest death rates, with 1,466.1 in 2010 and a slightly lower but still substantial 1,423.2 in 2019 per 100,000 people.
This suggests that unmarried individuals faced a higher risk of mortality during this period compared to their married counterparts.
Conversely, those who were “Married” showed the lowest death rates in both years, with 839.8 in 2010 and 747.0 in 2019 per 100,000 people.
This consistent trend indicates that being married was associated with a lower risk of mortality in the United States during this timeframe.
The “Widowed” and “Divorced” categories showed intermediate death rates in both years. In 2010, the death rate for the “Widowed” was 1,567.2, while in 2019, it increased to 1,627.0 per 100,000 people.
For the “Divorced” category, the death rate was 1,366.5 in 2010 and decreased slightly to 1,324.0 in 2019 per 100,000 people.
How Many Americans Die Single?
The data represents the death rates per 100,000 people in the years 2010 and 2019 for different marital status categories.
Marital Status | 2010 Death Rate (per 100,000) | 2019 Death Rate (per 100,000) |
---|---|---|
All Americans | 1,122.1 | 1,074.3 |
Married | 839.8 | 747.0 |
Never Married | 1,466.1 | 1,423.2 |
Widowed | 1,567.2 | 1,627.0 |
Divorced | 1,366.5 | 1,324.0 |
Stats on Americans Who Are Divorced, Unmarried Or Widowed
Single American population by marital status
- Never married: This is the largest group, making up 66.93% of all single Americans. That’s around 89,028,651 people who have never tied the knot.
- Widowed: About 11.45% of single Americans fall into this category, which translates to roughly 15,230,473 individuals. These are people who have lost their spouses, often due to death.
- Divorced: The divorced population constitutes 21.62% of single Americans, numbering approximately 28,767,947 people. These are individuals who have gone through divorce proceedings and are now single.
Single American population by marital status
Marital Status | Number of People | Percentage of Singles |
---|---|---|
Never married | 89,028,651 | 66.93% |
Widowed | 15,230,473 | 11.45% |
Divorced | 28,767,947 | 21.62% |
Single Men By Marital Status
The largest group among single men is those who have “Never married,” constituting a substantial 75.20% of all single men, which translates to approximately 47,510,293 individuals.
Widowed men, make up 5.40% of all single men, totaling around 3,408,813 individuals.
Lastly, “Divorced” men represent 19.40% of all single men, with an estimated count of approximately 12,261,848 men.
Single Men By Marital Status
Marital Status | Number of Single Men | Percentage of All Single Men |
---|---|---|
Never married | 47,510,290 | 75.20% |
Widowed | 3,408,800 | 5.40% |
Divorced | 12,261,840 | 19.40% |
Single Women By Marital Status
“Never married women,” comprising 59% of all singles, which translates to roughly 41,518,358 individuals.
The second group comprises “Widowed women,” representing a substantial 17% of all singles. Approximately 11,821,620 women fall into this category, having lost their spouses due to various reasons.
Lastly, “Divorced women” constitute 24% of all singles, with an estimated count of approximately 16,506,099 women.
Marital Status | Number of Single Women | Percentage of All Single Women |
---|---|---|
Never married | 41,518,358 | 59.44% |
Widowed | 11,821,620 | 16.93% |
Divorced | 16,506,099 | 23.63% |
Source: US Census
US Singles Stats by Ethnicity
Black/African Americans exhibit the highest proportion of single adults at 47%, whereas White/Caucasian individuals have a lower percentage, standing at 28%. Hispanic individuals fall in between, with 27% categorized as single adults.
Ethnicity | Percentage of Single Adults |
---|---|
White/Caucasian | 28% |
Black/African-American | 47% |
Hispanic | 27% |
US Singles Stats by Age and Gender
Age appears to play a significant role in the relationship status of Americans.
Among individuals aged 18-29, a substantial 41% identify as singles, indicating a substantial portion of young adults navigating dating websites or enjoying their independence.
As we move into the 31-49 age bracket, the percentage of singles drops to 23%, suggesting that a sizable portion of this group may have found long-term partnerships or married.
The 50 to 64 age group sees an increase in the percentage of singles to 28%, potentially reflecting changes in life circumstances such as death or increasing divorce rates.
Lastly, for those aged 65 and older, a significant 36% remain singles, indicating that a considerable number of seniors maintain their single status, perhaps due to personal choices or life circumstances.
Age Group | Percentage of Singles |
---|---|
18 to 29 | 41% |
30 to 49 | 23% |
50 to 64 | 28% |
65 and older | 36% |
US Singles Stats by Gender
Gender | Percentage Single |
---|---|
Men | 31% |
Women | 31% |
US Singles Stats by Education
34% of single Americans hold a High School diploma or have completed their GED, showcasing a substantial segment of the singles population with this educational attainment level.
Moving on to the next educational ladder, we find that 32% of single Americans have pursued higher education, without completing a Bachelor’s degree.
Finally, a noteworthy 25% of single Americans hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher—a testament to the diversity and educational achievements within the single demographic.
Educational Attainment | Percentage of Single Americans |
---|---|
High School/GED or less | 34% |
Some college | 32% |
Bachelor’s degree or higher | 25% |
U.S. States With Highest Number Of Singles
In a recent analysis of U.S. states, it has been found that Louisiana and Rhode Island share the top spot for having the highest percentage of single adults, with an impressive 55.7% of people identifying as single.
Following closely behind, we have New York at 55.4%, Mississippi at 54.9%, and New Mexico at 53.6%.
These statistics shed light on the relationship statuses of residents in these states, indicating a relatively larger proportion of individuals who are not currently in committed relationships.
Rank | State | Percentage of Single Adults |
---|---|---|
1 | Louisiana | 55.7% |
2 | Rhode Island | 55.7% |
3 | New York | 55.4% |
4 | Mississippi | 54.9% |
5 | New Mexico | 53.6% |
6 | California | 53.5% |
7 | Florida | 53.5% |
8 | Massachusetts | 53.5% |
9 | Nevada | 53.5% |
10 | Maryland | 53.1% |
U.S. States With Lowest Number Of Singles
Rank | State | Percentage of Single Adults |
---|---|---|
1 | Montana | 47.7% |
2 | North Dakota | 47.7% |
3 | Minnesota | 47.6% |
4 | Kansas | 47.5% |
5 | New Hampshire | 47.1% |
6 | Nebraska | 46.9% |
7 | Iowa | 46.7% |
8 | Wyoming | 46.4% |
9 | Idaho | 44.4% |
10 | Utah | 43.7% |
Reasons for Not Dating Among Singles
There are various factors that lead individuals to remain single, such as feelings of insecurity, fear, sexual orientation, or even other priorities.
The below reasons show why people choose not to wear an engagement ring.
Reasons | Ages 18 -49 | Ages 50+ | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Have other important thing right now | 61% | 38% | 47% |
Have other important things right now | 41% | 46% | 44% |
Very busy | 29% | 14% | 20% |
bad luck in the past | 18% | 18% | 18% |
Feel like no one is interested | 24% | 12% | 17% |
Not ready because of a past relationship or losing a spouse | 15% | 18% | 17% |
I am too old to date | 4% | 25% | 17% |
Health is an issue | 11% | 11% | 11% |
Why are Women single?
Women can be single for lots of different reasons. Some might not be good at flirting or just want to be free to do what they like. Others might be afraid of getting hurt or have other things in life that are more important right now.
Other less common reasons include wanting to flirt without commitment, facing sexual difficulties, and not being over a past relationship.
Reasons for Not Dating (Top Reasons)
Reason | Percentage |
---|---|
“I don’t flirt very well” | 89% |
“I want to remain. a free bird” | 87.3% |
“I don’t want to get hurt” | 80.2% |
“I have other priorities” | 79.5% |
“I am very choosy” | 75.2% |
Additional Reasons for Not Dating
Reason | Percentage |
---|---|
“I am not a likeable person” | 64.8% |
“I am not a family person” | 61.4% |
“I have Commitment issues” | 55.1% |
“I have health issues” | 43.5% |
“I want to spend time mostly with my friends” | 34.7% |
Less Common Reasons for Not Dating
Reason | Percentage |
---|---|
“I want to flirt with other people” | 23.5% |
“I experience sexual difficulties” | 18.4% |
“I still think about my previous relationship” | 18.1% |
“I want to focus on my children” | 9.3% |
“Sexual identity” | 7.9% |
Rare Reasons for Not Dating
Reason | Percentage |
---|---|
“I move often” | 5.1% |
“I cannot have children” | 5.1% |
“Addiction” | 3.2% |
Source: Frontiers in Psychology