The world we live in is diverse in traditions and cultural beliefs. For instance, marriage can take on some fascinating forms. Some of these go farther than the concept of two individuals pledging a lifelong partnership in a monogamous union.
In some societies, polygamy has flourished for hundreds of years and they are mostly shaped by archaic customs and religious principles.
In these countries, having more than one spouse is not only accepted, but, sometimes celebrated as part of their cultural equality.
However, despite the fact that many sovereign countries have legalized polygamy, only a meagre 2% or a little less of the world population actually lives in polygamous households. Still, that is about more than 160 million people worldwide.
Polygamy is the umbrella word used when a person is married to multiple spouses at the same time. In some countries, the practice is legal, while, in others, it is restricted or prohibited.
Polygyny and Polyandry: Some countries have rigid laws that define whether only men or only woman are allowed to marry into polygamy. Polygyny is when a man has more than one wife, while, Polyandry is when a woman has more than one husband.
The Statistics reveals that, most countries that have legalized polygamy are in Africa and the Middle East
According to World Population Review | Refworld | Pew Research Center | Britannica, here are countries that have legalized polygamy:
Afghanistan
Polygamy is permitted under Islamic law in Afghanistan and this permits only men to marry up to four (4) wives. It is mandatory according to the law that all wives must be treated impartially, which can encompass financial support and equal time. However, these regulations are hardly followed.
Algeria
Almost like Afghanistan, a man is legally allowed in Algeria to marry only four (4) wives. To go ahead, the man must seek permission from his current wife and obtain court approval, which is progressively difficult.
Bangladesh
Polygamy is lawfully allowed in the Asian nation of Bangladesh, however, it is heavily costly. Some cities in the country have slammed huge taxes on polygamy, and a man must pay heightening taxes for each new wife he takes.
Cameroon
In Cameroon, men often practise polygyny for the sake of nothing more than status and wealth. Polygamous unions are gradually fading, however, can be most often found in rural areas of the country. There are no limits on how many wives a man can take.
Central African Republic
Polygamous unions are legally recognized in the Central African Republic, however, more women are becoming increasingly opposed to it. Before marrying his first wife, a man must obtain her permission to marry more wives in the future, otherwise he forfeits the right.
Gabon
Gabon lawfully allows polygamy for men and women under its civil code, but men are commonly the only ones who take multiple spouses. Before marriage, couples must state whether they plan to have a polygamous relationship in the future, and men are the only ones allowed to renounce their decision if they change their minds.
Indonesia
Of the thirty-eight (38) provinces that comprise the Asian country of Indonesia, thirty-four (34) have legalized polygamy. Any man, regardless of religion, can marry multiple wives, although the practice has seen fast decline due to the tough penalties levied against unlawfully contracted polygamous unions.
Iran
Much like other countries under Islamic Law, men in Iran can marry up to four (4) wives with rigid conditions for money support and fairness. But, the rate of divorce in the country is extremely high, and can be initiated by any Party.
Kenya
In 2014, Kenya passed a Bill to allow men marry multiple wives, even though the practice was common and traditional long before then. Rights of women on the matter have been seriously reduced in Parliament and they have no real control over the process.
Oman
Polygyny is not really common in Oman, but, the law of the Middle Eastern country permits men to marry up to four (4) wives if they are treated impartially. Statistics reveals, only one (1) in twenty (20) married men in Oman has more than one wife.
