Legality of polygamy

{{See|Islam in Africa}}

• {{flagdeco|Algeria}} Algeria{{cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/4e3ba9212.pdf |title=Algeria – Researched and compiled by the Refugee Documentation Centre of Ireland on 22 July 2011 : Information on forced marriages and polygamous marriages, including the treatment of women |website=Refworld.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Cameroon}} Cameroon{{cite journal|url=http://features.csmonitor.com/backstory/2008/11/13/in-modern-cameroon-polygamy-doesn%E2%80%99t-pay/|title=In modern Cameroon polygamy doesn't pay - csmonitor.com|journal=Christian Science Monitor|date=10 February 2009|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210233657/http://features.csmonitor.com/backstory/2008/11/13/in-modern-cameroon-polygamy-doesn%E2%80%99t-pay/|archive-date=10 February 2009|df=dmy-all}}
• {{flagdeco|Chad}} Chad{{cite web|url=http://www.internationalchristianpolygamysociety.org/2011/12/christian-polygamy-in-chad-africa/|title=Christian Polygamy In Chad Africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702033824/http://www.internationalchristianpolygamysociety.org/2011/12/christian-polygamy-in-chad-africa/|archive-date=2 July 2012|date=December 2011|publisher=Christian Polygamy Society}}
• {{flagdeco|Central African Republic}} Central African Republic{{cite book |last=OECD |date=20 February 2010 |title=Atlas of Gender and Development How Social Norms Affect Gender Equality in non-OECD Countries |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4QQlVW1rOsIC |publisher=OECD Publishing |page=206 |isbn=978-9264077478 |quote=The practice of polygamy is legal in the Central African Republic but faces growing resistance among educated women}}
• {{Flagdeco|Comoros}} Comoros [https://marryonchain.com/p/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marriage-in-the-comoros [i]]
• {{flagdeco|Republic of the Congo}} Republic of the Congo{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/wom1383.doc.htm |title=Republic Of Congo Responds To Questions Raised In Women'S Anti-Discrimination Committee | Meetings Coverage And Press Releases |website=Un.org |date=2003-01-29 |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Djibouti}} Djibouti{{cite web|url=http://www.africa4womensrights.org/public/Dossier_of_Claims/Djibouti-UK.pdf |title=Women's rights protection instruments ratified by Djibouti |website=Africa4womensrights.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Egypt}} Egypt{{cite web |url=http://www.cairoscene.com/In-Depth/Polygamy-in-Egypt-Why-I-Decided-to-marry-a-Second-Wife?fb_comment_id=995923153763398_999873900034990#faba49c86231cc |title=Polygamy in Egypt: Why I Decided to Marry a Second Wife |last=Primo |first=Valentina |date=27 September 2015 |publisher=carioscene |access-date=30 December 2016 |quote=We all know male polygamy is legal.}}
• {{flagdeco|Swaziland}} Eswatini{{cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ad7a6c.html|title=Refworld - Swaziland: Laws and customs in Swaziland regarding polygamy|first=United Nations High Commissioner for|last=Refugees}}
• {{flagdeco|Gabon}} Gabon:{{cite web | title=Gender Equality and Social Institutions in Gabon | url=http://genderindex.org/country/gabon | publisher=Social Institutions & Gender Index, genderindex.org | date=2007 | access-date=2009-04-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619172233/http://genderindex.org/country/gabon | archive-date=19 June 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} Both men and women can join in polygamous marriage with the other gender under Gabonese law. In practice, the right to multiple spouses is reserved for men only.{{cite web|url=http://www1.uneca.org/awro/CountrySpecificInformationGabon.aspx |title=African Women's Rights Observatory > Country Specific Information - Gabon |website=Uneca.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Gambia}} The Gambia{{cite web|author=pt |url=http://www.accessgambia.com/information/polygamy.html |title=Polygamy in Gambia |website=Accessgambia.com |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Guinea}} Guinea{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/guinea |title=Gender Equality in Guinea | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Guinea Bissau}} Guinea-Bissau [https://marryonchain.com/p/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marriage-in-guinea-bissau [i]]
• {{flagdeco|Libya}} Libya{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/07/264927.html|title=Libyan men now allowed to remarry without consent of first wife: court rule|publisher=English.alarabiya.net|access-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101102139/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/07/264927.html|archive-date=1 November 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2011/11/06/polygamy_in_libya_and_beyond/|title=Polygamy in Libya — and beyond|work=Salon.com|access-date=29 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/libyas-women-activists-outraged-by-court-ruling-on-multimple-wives/1611645.html|title=Libya's Women Activists Outraged by Court Ruling on Wives|work=VOA|access-date=29 October 2014}}
• {{flagdeco|Kenya}} Kenya: Polygamy legal under legislation passed in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/03/kenyan-parliament-passes-polygamy-law-201432116656522465.html|title=Kenyan parliament passes polygamy law|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=21 March 2014}}
• {{flagdeco|Mali}} Mali{{cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/53ecb7c74.html |title=Mali: polygamy, including conditions to be met for a man to be able to marry a second wife; divorce, specifically when a woman requests a divorce, including the grounds and treatment of women by society and the authorities (2012-December 2013) |website=Refworld.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Mauritania}} Mauritania{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/mauritania#_ftn17 |title=Gender Equality in Mauritania | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Morocco}} Morocco{{cite web |url=http://www.mbctimes.com/english/life/polygamy-how-moroccans-trick-to-have-a-second-wife |title=Polygamy: How Moroccans trick to have a second wife |last=Medini |first=Mona |date=23 January 2015 |publisher=MBC Times |access-date=25 November 2016 |quote=[Polygamy] legally becomes theoretically almost impossible if not completely impossible. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817211946/http://www.mbctimes.com/english/life/polygamy-how-moroccans-trick-to-have-a-second-wife |archive-date=17 August 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
• {{flagdeco|Nigeria}} Nigeria (only in some states){{cite web|url=http://nigerianwomenworld.com/highlights/traditional-marriage-in-nigeria.php|title=Traditional marriage in Nigeria: Polygamy|author=Itoro E. Akpan-Iquot|publisher=Migerianwomenworld.com|access-date=21 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230231254/http://www.nigerianwomenworld.com/highlights/traditional-marriage-in-nigeria.php|archive-date=30 December 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}
• {{flagdeco|Sao Tome and Principe}} São Tomé and Príncipe{{cite web|url=http://www.globalgayz.com/gay-life-in-sao-tome-and-principe/ |title=Gay Life in São Tomé and Príncipe |website=Globalgayz.com |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Senegal}} Senegal{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/senegal |title=Gender Equality in Senegal | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Somalia}} Somalia{{citation |url= http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-03/2007-03-12-voa14.cfm |title= Acceptance of Polygamy Slowly Changes in Muslim Africa |date= 12 March 2007 |work= Voice of America |publisher= Voice of America |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090507024715/http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-03/2007-03-12-voa14.cfm |archive-date= 2009-05-07 |url-status= dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Somaliland}} Somaliland{{Cite web|date=2020-02-06|title=Somaliland marriages are valid|url=https://www.freemovement.org.uk/somaliland-marriages-are-valid/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Free Movement|language=en-GB}}
• {{flagdeco|South Sudan}} South Sudan{{cite web |url=http://www.dailysabah.com/africa/2015/02/11/is-polygamy-corrupting-south-sudan |title=Is polygamy corrupting South Sudan? |date=11 February 2015 |website=Daily Sabah Africa |access-date=30 December 2016 |quote=Polygamy is commonly practiced in many African societies, including South Sudan.}}
• {{flagdeco|South Africa}} South Africa is recognized for customary marriages. The Supreme Court also ruled that Muslim marriages performed under Sharia law are valid.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-07 |title=MJC (SA) welcomes the Constitutional Court ruling on the recognition of Muslim Marriages |url=https://mjc.org.za/2022/07/07/mjc-sa-welcomes-the-constitutional-court-ruling-on-the-recognition-of-muslim-marriages/ |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=MJC (SA) {{!}} Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Women's Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa and Others (CCT 24/21) [2022] ZACC 23 (28 June 2022) |url=http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZACC/2022/23.html |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=www.saflii.org}}PDF of Supreme Court Decision http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZACC/2022/23media.pdf
• {{flagdeco|Sudan}} Sudan{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1493309.stm |title=AFRICA | Sudan pushes polygamy |work=BBC News |date=2001-08-15 |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Togo}} Togo{{cite web|author=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/4f97dc762.html |title=Togo: Polygamy among the country's ruling elite |website=Refworld.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Tanzania}} Tanzania{{cite web|url=http://ecommons.luc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=social_justice |format=PDF |title=Divorce and Polygamy in Tanzania |website=Ecommons.luc.edu |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Uganda}} Uganda{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/uganda |title=Gender Equality in Uganda | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{Flagdeco|Western Sahara}} Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• {{flagdeco|Zambia}} Zambia{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/zambia |title=Gender Equality in Zambia | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}

{{See|Islam in Asia}}

• {{flagdeco|Afghanistan}} Afghanistan{{cite news|last1=Nordland|first1=Rod|last2=Sukhanyar|first2=Jawad|title=Afghan Mullah Leading Stoning Inquiry Condones Practice|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/08/world/asia/afghan-mullah-leading-stoning-inquiry-condones-practice.html|access-date=1 November 2016|work=The New York Times|date=7 November 2015}}
• {{flagdeco|Bahrain}} Bahrain{{cite web |url=http://www.bahrainrights.org/en/node/2798 |title=Freedom House: Women's Rights in Bahrain 2009 | Bahrain Center for Human Rights |website=Bahrainrights.org |date=2009-03-18 |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-date=17 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117075542/http://www.bahrainrights.org/en/node/2798 |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Bangladesh}} Bangladesh{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/bangladesh |title=Gender Equality in Bangladesh | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Bhutan}} Bhutan{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/bhutan |title=Gender Equality in Bhutan | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}{{cite news|last=French |first=Patrick |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3671552/Bhutan-Small-wonder.html |title=Bhutan: Last wonder |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=1 March 2008 |access-date=21 October 2010}}
• {{flagdeco|Brunei}} Brunei{{cite web|url=https://www.ftcam.de/ft_files/Scheidung_BruneiDarussalam1.pdf |title=Laws of Brunei |website=Ftcam.de |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Indonesia}} Indonesia (except for in the provinces of Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, and West Papua) {{Citation needed|reason=There is no local regulation in those provinces that prohibit polygamy.|date=October 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/indonesia |title=Gender Equality in Indonesia | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}{{Failed verification|reason=There is any no mention about those provinces that related to polygamy.|date=October 2021}}
• {{flagdeco|Iran}} Iran{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/iran-islamic-rep |title=Gender Equality in Iran, Islamic Rep. | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Iraq}} Iraq (except for in Iraqi Kurdistan){{cite web |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/iraq-polygamy-men-marriage-society.html#ixzz4UKf4Y9px |title=Rising incomes mean many Iraqi men marry multiple wives |last=Bassem |first=Wassim |date=26 January 2015 |website=Al-Monitor |access-date=30 December 2016 }}
• {{flagdeco|Jordan}} Jordan{{cite web|url=https://jo.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/marriage-in-jordan/|title=Marriage in Jordan - U.S. Embassy in Jordan}}
• {{flagdeco|Kuwait}} Kuwait{{cite journal |doi=10.1097/00005053-198501000-00009 |pmid=3965613 |title=Women of Polygamous Marriages in an Inpatient Psychiatric Service in Kuwait |journal=The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |volume=173 |issue=1 |pages=56–8 |year=1985 |last1=Chaleby |first1=Kutaiba |s2cid=13737031 }}
• {{flagdeco|Maldives}} Maldives{{cite web|url=http://www.unmarriedamerica.org/members/news/2003/October-News/Maldives_divorce_rate_soar.html |title=Maldives divorce rate soars |website=Unmarriedamerica.org |date=2003-10-31 |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Oman}} Oman{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/oman |title=Gender Equality in Oman | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Qatar}} Qatar{{cite web |url=http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/11/08/125311.html |title=Polygamy rates decline in Qatar: Study |website=www.alarabiya.net |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125221938/http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/11/08/125311.html |archive-date=25 January 2011 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flagdeco|Palestine}} Palestine{{cite web|url=http://www.law.emory.edu/ifl/legal/palestine.htm#text |title=Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im |website=Law.emory.edu |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Saudi Arabia}} Saudi Arabia{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/saudi-arabia |title=Gender Equality in Saudi Arabia | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Syria}} Syria (except in Syrian Kurdistan){{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/syrian-arab-republic |title=Gender Equality in Syrian Arab Republic | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|United Arab Emirates}} United Arab Emirates{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/united-arab-emirates |title=Gender Equality in United Arab Emirates | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Yemen}} Yemen{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/yemen |title=Gender Equality in Yemen | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}

• {{flagdeco|Solomon Islands}} Solomon Islands{{cite web|url=https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/0465238049fb0beca26eebd1a5d13d27/IFC_Gender+and+Inv+Climate+Reform+Assessments+_SolomonIslands.pdf?MOD=AJPERES |format=PDF |title=Solomon Islands : Gender and Investment Climate Reform Assessment |website=Ifc.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}

Note: These countries are included separately because they have specific legislation aimed only at Muslims.

• {{flagdeco|Malaysia}} Malaysia{{cite web|url=http://www.lawyerment.com/library/kb/Families/Marriage/1019.htm |title=What are the types of marriages in Malaysia? - Marriage - Lawyerment Knowledge Base |website=Lawyerment.com |date=2016-11-16 |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Philippines}} Philippines, only for "exceptional cases" even among Muslims where a man could provide for his wives with equal companionship.{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/philippines/38.htm|title=Philippines - Muslim Filipinos|website=countrystudies.us}}{{cite web |author1-link=Persida Acosta |title=Bigamy committed by Muslim convert for contracting 2nd marriage |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/05/25/legal-advice/dearpao/bigamy-committed-muslim-convert-contracting-2nd-marriage/329191 |website=The Manila Times |access-date=31 January 2022 |language=en |date=25 May 2017}}{{cite news |title=Supreme Court: Converting to Islam to marry a second spouse is bigamy |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/3/23/supreme-court-bigamy.html |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=CNN Philippines |date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330134035/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/3/23/supreme-court-bigamy.html |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Sri Lanka}} Sri Lanka{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
• {{flagdeco|Lebanon}} Lebanon{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/01/19/interview-women-unequal-under-lebanons-law|title=Interview: Women Unequal Under Lebanon's Law|date=19 January 2015}}
• {{flagdeco|Pakistan}} Pakistan{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/pakistan |title=Gender Equality in Pakistan | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Singapore}} Singapore
• {{flagdeco|India}} India{{cite web |last1=Anand |first1=Akriti |title=What Indian laws say about polygamy {{!}} Explained {{!}} Today News |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/is-having-two-spouses-illegal-heres-what-indian-laws-say-about-polygamy-explained-11698512647108.html |website=mint |access-date=17 January 2025 |language=en |date=29 October 2023}}

{{flagdeco|India}} India (for Muslims and in Goa{{cite web |last1=Mishra |first1=Arvind |title=How uniform is Goa's civil code? {{!}} Explained |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/goa-uniform-civil-code-marriage-polygamy-adoption-divorce-property-children-2400680-2023-07-02 |website=India Today |access-date=17 January 2025 |language=en |date=2 July 2023}})

Africa

• {{flagdeco|Botswana}} Botswana{{cite web |url=http://www.africa4womensrights.org/public/Dossier_of_Claims/BotswanaENG.pdf |title=Women's rights protection instruments ratified by Botswana |website=Africa4womensrights.org |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-date=3 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103170651/http://www.africa4womensrights.org/public/Dossier_of_Claims/BotswanaENG.pdf |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Lesotho}} Lesotho{{cite web |url=http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CEDAW/Shared%20Documents/LSO/CEDAW_C_LSO_CO_1-4_Add-2_22348_E.pdf |title=Concluding observations on the combined initial to fourth periodic reports of Lesotho |website=Tbinternet.ohchr.org |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-date=7 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307214930/https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CEDAW/Shared%20Documents/LSO/CEDAW_C_LSO_CO_1-4_Add-2_22348_E.pdf |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Liberia}} Liberia{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/liberia |title=Gender Equality in Liberia | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Malawi}} Malawi{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/malawi |title=Gender Equality in Malawi | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Namibia}} Namibia{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/namibia |title=Gender Equality in Namibia | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Niger}} Niger{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/niger |title=Gender Equality in Niger | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Nigeria}} Nigeria (only in some states):{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/nigeria |title=Gender Equality in Nigeria | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}} Recognized in all northern Sharia states
• {{flagdeco|Sierra Leone}} Sierra LeoneCEDAW (2007), Responses to the List of Issues And Questions with Regard to the Consideration of the Combined Initial, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Periodic Reports: Sierra Leone, CEDAW/C/SLE/Q/5/Add. 1, CEDAW, New York, NY, p. 17.
• {{flagdeco|Zimbabwe}} Zimbabwe{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78765.htm |title=Zimbabwe |website=State.gov |date=2007-03-06 |access-date=2017-01-06}}

Polygamy is more widespread in Africa than in any other continent, being most common in a region known as the "polygamy belt" in West Africa and Central Africa, with the countries estimated to have the highest polygamy prevalence in the world being Burkina Faso, Mali, Gambia, Niger and Nigeria.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/12/07/polygamy-is-rare-around-the-world-and-mostly-confined-to-a-few-regions/|title=Polygamy is rare around the world and mostly confined to a few regions}} In the region of sub-Saharan Africa, polygyny is common and deeply rooted in the culture, with 11% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa living in such marriages (25% of the Muslim population and 3% of the Christian population, as of 2019).{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/12/07/polygamy-is-rare-around-the-world-and-mostly-confined-to-a-few-regions/|title=Polygamy is rare around the world and mostly confined to a few regions}} Polygamous marriages occur, regardless of legality, as the practice is deeply rooted in culture and often supported by Islam in Africa.

• {{flagdeco|Angola}} Angola{{cite web |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-41030220090714 |title=Polygamy in Angola isn't legal, but it is common |last=Almeida |first=Henrique |date=14 July 2009 |website=Reuters |access-date=30 December 2016 |quote=Although Angolan law condemns polygamy, or multiple marriages, the practice is widespread in a country with a large share of female-headed households and where woman are often left alone to care for their children. |archive-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211124028/https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-41030220090714 |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Benin}} Benin{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/benin |title=Gender Equality in Benin | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Burkina Faso}} Burkina Faso{{cite web|url=http://www.genderindex.org/country/burkina-faso |title=Gender Equality in Burkina Faso | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Burundi}} Burundi{{cite book |last=Jensen Arnett |first=Jeffrey |date=2007 |title=International encyclopedia of adolescence: A-J, index, Volume 1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lA606koL3EQC |publisher=Taylor & Francis |page=123 |isbn=978-0415966672}}
• {{flagdeco|Cabo Verde}} Cabo Verde{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-culture-of-cape-verde.html|title=The Culture of Cape Verde|date=August 2017}}
• {{flagdeco|Democratic Republic of the Congo}} Democratic Republic of the Congo{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220405-tied-in-knots-polygamy-persists-in-dr-congo-despite-ban|title=Tied in knots? Polygamy persists in DR Congo despite ban|date=5 April 2022}}
• {{flagdeco|Ivory Coast}} Côte d'Ivoire: Polygamy may be punishable by six months to three years imprisonment, or a fine of CFA 50,000 to CFA 500,000 (US$80 to US$800).{{cite web |url=http://genderindex.org/country/cote-d039ivoire |title=Gender Equality in Cote d'Ivoire | Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221215420/http://www.genderindex.org/country/cote-d039ivoire |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
• {{flagdeco|Eritrea}} Eritrea: Illegal since 1977, after 2015 polygamy is punishable with "a definite term of imprisonment of not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months, or a fine of 20,001 – 50,000 Nakfas."{{cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/55a51ccc4.pdf |title=PENAL CODE OF THE STATE OF ERITREA |website=Refworld.org |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Equatorial Guinea}} Equatorial Guinea{{cite web|url=http://www.uoregon.edu/~aweiss/intl421_521/CEDAW_Report_West_Africa.pdf |title=Examining the Life of Women in Western Africa |website=Uoregon.edu |access-date=2017-01-06}}{{cite web|url=http://www.law.emory.edu/ifl/region/westafrica.html |title=Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im |website=Law.emory.edu |access-date=2017-01-06}}{{cite web |url=http://www.uneca.org/adfvi/documents/ADFVI_Progress_Report_ENG.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.uneca.org |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204224800/http://www.uneca.org/adfvi/documents/ADFVI_Progress_Report_ENG.pdf |archive-date=4 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}
• {{flagdeco|Ghana}} Ghana{{cite web|url=http://genderindex.org/country/ghana|title=Gender Equality in Ghana - Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI)|publisher=Genderindex.org|access-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925152154/http://www.genderindex.org/country/ghana|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.law.emory.edu/ifl/legal/ghana.htm|title=Ghana|publisher=Law.emory.edu|access-date=24 September 2015}}
• {{flagdeco|Ethiopia}} Ethiopia{{cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2013/06/11/marriage_2.pdf |title=Microsoft Word - Q14320 Ethiopia |website=Justice.gov |access-date=2017-01-06}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ajol.info/index.php/olj/article/download/107617/97469 |title=BIGAMOUS MARRIAGE AND THE DIVISION OF COMMON PROPERTY UNDER THE ETHIOPIAN LAW: REGULATORY CHALLENGES AND OPTIONS |website=Ajol.info |access-date=2017-01-06}}
• {{flagdeco|Madagascar}} Madagascar{{cite book|last=OECD|year=2010|title=Atlas of Gender and Development: How Social Norms Affect Gender Equality in non-OECD Countries|publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Development Centre.|location=Paris|isbn=978-92-64-07520-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KjGk01ZpSQQC}}
• {{flagdeco|Mauritius}} Mauritius
• {{flagdeco|Mayotte|local}} Mayotte (French territory) (not criminalized): Considered to be de facto illegal since a referendum sponsored by France in March 2009, forcing the island to comply with the French laws.{{cite news|first=Angelique |last=Chrisafis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/26/mayote-referendum-polygamy-islam |title=Welcome to France: home of sun, sea, sand, polygamy and the Indian Ocean |work=Guardian |date= 26 March 2009|access-date=21 October 2010 |location=London}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/muslim-island-must-give-up-polygamy-as-price-of-being-part-of-france-20090330-9h3j.html |title=Muslim island must give up polygamy as price of being part of France |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=31 March 2009 |access-date=21 October 2010}} However, pre-existing Muslim marriages are currently still valid.
• {{flagdeco|Mozambique}} Mozambique{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mozambique-widows-polygamy-idUSKCN0ZL0T6 |title=Widows without sons in Mozambique accused of sorcery and robbed of land |last=Mwareya |first=Ray |date=5 July 2016 |website=Reuters |access-date=30 December 2016 |quote=Although polygamy is prohibited in Mozambique there is no punishment. Across the country nearly a third of married women are thought to be in polygamous marriages, according to a NORAD survey.}}
• {{flagdeco|Rwanda}} Rwanda{{Cite web |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/rw00000_.html |title=ICL - Rwanda - Constitution |access-date=10 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628025036/http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/rw00000_.html |archive-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
• {{flagdeco|Seychelles}} Seychelles
• {{flagdeco|Tunisia}} Tunisia: Polygamy has been banned and criminalized since 1956[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41278610 Tunisian women free to marry non-Muslims], BBC, 16 Sept 2017 according to Article 18 of the Code of Personal Status and punishable by one year's imprisonment.

{{main|Polygamy in North America|Latter Day Saint polygamy in the late-19th century|Mormonism and polygamy}}

• {{flagdeco|Antigua and Barbuda}} Antigua and Barbuda
• {{flagdeco|Argentina}} Argentina
• {{flagdeco|Bahamas}} Bahamas
• {{flagdeco|Barbados}} Barbados
• {{flagdeco|Belize}} Belize
• {{flagdeco|Bolivia}} Bolivia
• {{flagdeco|Brazil}} Brazil: Bigamy is illegal. The marriage of a single individual to more than one other person is prohibited by law as bigamy, which is punishable by two to six years of imprisonment,{{cite web|url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/decreto-lei/Del2848compilado.htm|title=DEL2848compilado|website=www.planalto.gov.br|access-date=21 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313000246/http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/decreto-lei/Del2848compilado.htm|archive-date=13 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} and is valid for every Brazilian citizen, including naturalized ones. De facto polygamy is not outlawed.
• {{flagdeco|Canada}} Canada: All forms of polygamy, and some informal multiple sexual relationships, are illegal under section 293 of the Criminal Code.{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/section-293.html#docCont |title=Criminal Code |website=Laws-lois.justice.gc.ca |access-date=2017-01-06}} Bigamy is banned by section 290.{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/section-290.html#docCont |title=Criminal Code |website=Laws-lois.justice.gc.ca |access-date=2017-01-06}} However, as of January 2009, no person has been successfully prosecuted, i.e. convicted, in over sixty years.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-s-polygamy-legislation-1.856477|title=Polygamy in Canada|date=21 January 2009|first=Daniel |last=Lak|website=CBC News|access-date=23 July 2009}} In 2009, two acquittals on polygamy charges, arising out of the town of Bountiful, British Columbia, prompted the government of British Columbia to pose a reference question to the Supreme Court of British Columbia (i.e., the superior trial court). The reference questions asked if the criminalisation of polygamy was consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and, if so, under what circumstances could people be legally punished for polygamy.{{cite news| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/crown-wants-polygamy-testimony-off-internet-1.868125?ref | website=CBC News |title=Crown wants polygamy testimony off internet | date=26 November 2010}} In November 2011 the court released its 335-page long decision, which was that the criminal offence of polygamy is indeed constitutional, but that it should not be used to prosecute minors for having taken part in a polygamous marriage. Chief Justice Robert J. Bauman conceded that there is a conflict between this law and some civil rights principles, but stated that there are other and "more important" issues which in this case take precedence. He wrote (as quoted by CBC News): "I have concluded that this case is essentially about harm. More specifically, Parliament's reasoned apprehension of harm arising out of the practice of polygamy. This includes harm to women, to children, to society and the institution of monogamous marriage." Bauman argued that there are cases where the "wives" (who may be rather young; sometimes as young as 12 years) are abducted and abused, but because they believe in faith-promoting polygamy, they are not willing to bring complaints to the authorities. He reasoned that these offences sometimes may be stopped by applying anti-polygamy legislation. The decision was welcomed by the Attorney General of British Columbia, and by a representative for the group Stop Polygamy in Canada. Likewise, according to CBC News, some polyamorous groups in Canada expressed their relief since Bauman had stated that the law shouldn't apply to them unless they decide to formalize their unions. Women's rights were central to the decision.{{cite news| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-s-polygamy-laws-upheld-by-b-c-supreme-court-1.856480 | website=CBC News | title=Canada's polygamy laws upheld by B.C. Supreme Court | date=23 November 2011}}
• {{flagdeco|Chile}} Chile
• {{flagdeco|Colombia}} Colombia
• {{flagdeco|Costa Rica}} Costa Rica
• {{flagdeco|Cuba}} Cuba
• {{flagdeco|Dominica}} Dominica
• {{flagdeco|Dominican Republic}} Dominican Republic
• {{flagdeco|Ecuador}} Ecuador
• {{flagdeco|El Salvador}} El Salvador
• {{flagdeco|Grenada}} Grenada
• {{flagdeco|Guatemala}} Guatemala
• {{flagdeco|Guyana}} Guyana
• {{flagdeco|Haiti}} Haiti
• {{flagdeco|Honduras}} Honduras
• {{flagdeco|Jamaica}} Jamaica
• {{flagdeco|Mexico}} Mexico
• {{flagdeco|Nicaragua}} Nicaragua
• {{flagdeco|Panama}} Panama
• {{flagdeco|Paraguay}} Paraguay
• {{flagdeco|Peru}} Peru
• {{flagdeco|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} St. Kitts and Nevis
• {{flagdeco|Saint Lucia}} St. Lucia
• {{flagdeco|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}} St. Vincent and The Grenadines
• {{flagdeco|Suriname}} Suriname
• {{flagdeco|Trinidad and Tobago}} Trinidad and Tobago

[[File:Legality_of_Polygamy_in_the_United_States_by_State.svg|thumb|210px|right|Bigamy laws throughout the United States{{legend|#FAA0A0|Infraction}}{{legend|#FF0102|Misdemeanor}}

{{legend|#800000|Felony}}

{{legend|#2B0000|All forms of cohabitation outlawed}}]]

• {{flagdeco|United States}} United States: Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states,{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90857818|title=Some Muslims in U.S. Quietly Engage in Polygamy|publisher=National Public Radio: All Things Considered|access-date=23 July 2009|date=27 May 2008|author=Barbara Bradley Hagerty}} De facto polygamy is illegal under federal law, the Edmunds Act. Utah, in February 2020, reduced polygamy to the status of a traffic ticket;{{cite web |url=https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/polygamy-bill-passes-the-utah-state-legislature |title=Polygamy bill passes the Utah State Legislature |date=2020-02-27 |access-date=2021-06-10 |df=ymd}}{{cite web |url=https://le.utah.gov/~2020/bills/static/SB0102.html |title=S.B. 102 Bigamy Amendments |access-date=2021-06-10 }} nevertheless recognizing that polygamous unions are illegal under the Constitution of Utah.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/polygamy-is-essentially-decriminalized-in-utah-under-a-bill-signed-into-law|title = Polygamy is essentially decriminalized in Utah under a bill signed into law|date = 29 March 2020}} Polygamy is illegal federally according to the Edmunds Act.
  {{further|Legality of polygamy in the United States}}
• {{flagdeco|Uruguay}} Uruguay
• {{flagdeco|Venezuela}} Venezuela

As in Africa, polygamy continues to be practiced in parts of Asia, regardless of laws.

• {{flagdeco|Nepal}} Nepal
• {{flagdeco|China}} China: Polygamy is illegal under the Civil code passed in 2020, which replaced a similar 1950 and 1980 prohibition.{{cite web|url=http://www.lawinfochina.com/display.aspx?lib=law&id=11|title=Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China |website=www.lawinfochina.com}}
• {{flagdeco|Hong Kong}} Hong Kong: Polygamy ended with the passing of the Marriage Act of 1971{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/05/31/archives/hong-kong-moves-to-forbid-new-concubines-after-june-71.html | title=Hong Kong Moves to Forbid New Concubines After June, '71 | work=The New York Times | date=31 May 1970 }} when the country was a crown colony under the former flag {{flagdeco|Hong Kong|1959}}. Previous unions entered into under customary law are recognised in some situations.
• {{flagdeco|Israel}} Israel: Polygamy has been banned for all confessional communities since at least 1959.[https://www.jstor.org/pss/839776 The English Law of Bigamy in a Multi-Confessional Society: The Israel Experience] by P Shifman. Polygamy was criminalized in 1977, but the law is not consistently enforced and polygamy is still practiced by Negev Bedouins.{{cite news |last1=Ben Zikri |first1=Almog |title=Out of Over 300 Polygamy Cases in Israel in 2018, 16 Reached Indictments |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/out-of-over-300-cases-in-2018-against-polygamy-16-reached-indictments-1.6680885 |access-date=14 May 2019 |work=Haaretz |date=25 November 2018 |language=en}}
• {{flagdeco|Japan}} Japan
• {{flagdeco|Kazakhstan}} Kazakhstan: Polygamous marriages are not recognized, but the practice is decriminalized, with Kazakhstan being the only Central Asian country to have decriminalized the practice (in 1998, when the new criminal code no longer provided for such an offense).{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/polygamy_a_fact_of_life_in_kazakhstan/24242198.html|title=Polygamy a Fact of Life in Kazakhstan|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=23 June 2011 |last1=Najibullah |first1=Farangis }}
• {{flagdeco|Kyrgyzstan}} Kyrgyzstan
• {{flagdeco|Mongolia}} Mongolia
• {{flagdeco|Myanmar}} Myanmar{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/8/31/myanmars-president-signs-off-on-law-seen-as-targeting-muslims.html|title=Myanmar's president signs off on polygamy law seen as targeting Muslims|date=August 2015|publisher=Aljazeera}}{{cite journal|author=Chin Kim|title=Law of Marriage and Divorce in North Korea|volume=7|number=4|year=1973|journal=The International Lawyer|oclc=759928863|page=910}}
• {{flagdeco|North Korea}} North Korea
• {{flagdeco|South Korea}} South Korea
• {{flagdeco|Taiwan}} Taiwan (Polygamy is illegal {{clarify span|by the 1930 ROC civil law.| Not under ROC rule in 1930.|date=February 2023}}){{cite web|url=http://www.shs.edu.tw/works/essay/2008/03/2008032917040336.pdfSHS.edu.tw|title=民法－結婚要件之研析}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• {{flagdeco|Tajikistan}} Tajikistan
• {{flagdeco|Turkey}} Turkey (Polygamy was criminalized in 1926 with the adoption of the Turkish Civil Code, part of Atatürk's secularist reforms. Penalties for polygamy are imprisonment of up to 5 years.)[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/10/world/europe/10turkey.html "Polygamy Fosters Culture Clashes (and Regrets) in Turkey"], New York Times, 10 July 2006 Turkey has long been known for its promotion of secularism,{{cite web|url=http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp352.htm|title="Turkey Between Secularism and Islamism" by Jacob M. Landau|access-date=26 June 2016|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215022/http://www.jcpa.org/jl/vp352.htm|url-status=dead}}[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6554099.stm "Turkey's secularism 'threatened'"], BBCAlev Çinar, "Modernity, Islam, and Secularism in Turkey" and has introduced measures establishing stricter bars against polygamy; these were passed by the ruling moderate Islamist AK Party as well. In March 2009, AK Parti effectively banned polygamists from entering or living in the country.[http://www.polygamy411.com/2009/05/polygamy-in-turkey "Polygamy in Turkey"], Polygamy 411, May 2009
• {{flagdeco|Turkmenistan}} Turkmenistan
• {{flagdeco|Uzbekistan}} Uzbekistan: Religious authorities who perform a marriage ceremony for couples without a civil marriage license face fines of up to 9,900,000 so'm. Additionally, propagandizing or encouraging cohabitation with two or more wives is punishble by a fine of the same amount, or administrative detention for up to 15 days.[https://www.uzdaily.com/en/post/84415 "Uzbekistan establishes administrative liability for promoting cohabitation with two or more wives"], Uz Daily, 1 November 2023
• {{flagdeco|Vietnam}} Vietnam
• {{flagdeco|Cambodia}} Cambodia{{cite web |url=https://ethnomed.org/culture/cambodian/cambodian-marriage/ |title=Cambodian Marriage |last=Mony |first=Keo |date=5 February 2008 |website=Ethnomed |access-date=1 January 2017 |quote=The modern constitution forbids polygamy; some say it is commonly practiced more often when family economics permit.}}
• {{flagdeco|Laos}} Laos
• {{flagdeco|Russian Federation}} Russia: Polygamous marriages are not recognized in the Russian Federation. The Family Code of Russia states that a marriage can only be contracted between a man and a woman, neither of whom is married to someone else.{{cite web

| language = Russian

| title = Family Code of the Russian Federation, Articles 12 & 14

| url = http://www.consultant.ru/popular/family/20_4.html

| accessdate = 6 August 2012}} Furthermore, Russia does not recognize polygamous marriages that had been contracted in other countries.{{cite web

| language = Russian

| title = Family Code of the Russian Federation, Article 158

| url = http://www.consultant.ru/popular/family/20_29.html

| accessdate = 6 August 2012}} However, neither bigamy nor de facto polygamy are criminalized.Neither bigamy, nor polygamy, nor cohabitation is listed as a crime or offence in the Criminal Code of Russia or the Offences Code of Russia

• {{flagdeco|Thailand}} ThailandChintana Yossoonthorn, Women in Thailand, Proceedings of the Peace Corps Conference on Women and Development Bangkok, 1979, p. 11.
• {{flagdeco|Timor-Leste}} Timor-Leste{{cite web |url=http://www.genderindex.org/sites/default/files/datasheets/TL.pdf |title=Timor-Leste : Discriminatory family code |website=Genderindex.org |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165754/http://www.genderindex.org/sites/default/files/datasheets/TL.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

• {{flagdeco|Albania}} Albania
• {{flagdeco|Armenia}} Armenia
• {{flagdeco|Andorra}} Andorra
• {{flagdeco|Azerbaijan}} Azerbaijan
• {{flagdeco|Belarus}} Belarus
• {{flagdeco|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} Bosnia and Herzegovina
• {{flagdeco|EU}} European Union: Polygamy is illegal in all 27 states. In Bulgaria, polygamy is illegal and punishable with up to three years imprisonment.{{cite web | url=http://www.vks.bg/vks_p04_04.htm#%D0%A0%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%20I$ | title=Bulgarian Penal Code, art. 179 | access-date=8 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420142359/http://www.vks.bg/vks_p04_04.htm#%D0%A0%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%20I$ | archive-date=20 April 2016 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} In Finland, the official prosecutor is obliged to take all cases to a court where more than two persons are married to each other and such relationships cease to exist after the court has decided it.{{Cite web |title=Marriage Act |url=http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1929/en19290234.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050213140000/http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1929/en19290234.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 February 2005 |website=Finlex}} Polygamic marriages performed abroad may be recognized only on narrow occasions, for instance in child custody matters.{{cite web|url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/hallituksen-esitykset/2001/44|title=FINLEX ® - Hallituksen esitykset: HE 44/2001|website=www.finlex.fi}} In France, polygamy is illegal under Article 433-20 of the Penal Code and punishable by one year's imprisonment and a fine of €45,000.https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/3316/file/France_Criminal%20Code%20updated%20on%2012-10-2005.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}} In Germany, polygamy is illegal, legally punishable with fine or prison time up to three years.{{cite web|title=§172 StGB|url=http://dejure.org/gesetze/StGB/172.html}} Polygamous marriages contracted abroad are legal, however, the German authorities announced plans to close this legal loophole by making it a barrier to naturalization.{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/article192948725/Polygamie-Einbuergerung-bleibt-trotz-Mehrehe-moeglich.html|title=Polygamie: Einbürgerung bleibt trotz Mehrehe möglich|last=Bewarder|first=Manuel|date=2019-05-04|access-date=2019-08-23}} In Ireland,{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1861/act/100/enacted/en/print.html#sec57|title=Offences Against The Person Act, 1861|work=Irish Statute Book|pages=Section 57 |no-pp=y|access-date=15 June 2017}} the Catholic Church in Ireland allowed someone with a church annulment but no civil annulment to remarry in church; such a marriage was legally null and bigamous but no prosecutions were brought.{{cite web|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/committeetakes/JUS1995100500003#N210|title=Fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution (No. 2) Bill, 1995: Committee Stage.|last=Shatter |author-link=Alan Shatter|first=Alan|date=5 October 1995|work=Select Committee on Legislation and Security Debate|publisher=Oireachtas |quote=The State does not recognise church decrees of annulment. In effect, all marriages celebrated after a church decree of annulment are bigamous and priests celebrating these marriages are accessories before the fact to bigamy and liable to criminal prosecution. ... we have turned a blind eye to the celebration of bigamous marriages and abandoned couples who celebrate them to a legal limbo for so many years.|access-date=15 June 2017}} The practice ended after the 1996 legalisation of divorce.{{cite journal|last1=Maogoto|first1=Jackson Nyamuya|first2=Helena |last2=Anolak|year=2009|title=Legalising Divorce in the Republic of Ireland: A Canonical Harness to the Legal Liberation of the Right to Marriage Among the Disenfranchised|journal=SSRN Electronic Journal|issn=1556-5068|doi=10.2139/ssrn.1465343}} In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that if someone had two legal marriages abroad, only the first was legal in Ireland, though 'that did not necessarily mean [the second] marriage "can never have legal consequences [in Ireland]"'.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/supreme-court/first-marriage-of-lebanese-man-with-two-wives-recognised-under-irish-law-1.3120790|title=First marriage of Lebanese man with two wives recognised under Irish law|last=Carolan|first=Mary|date=15 June 2017|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=15 June 2017}} In the Netherlands, a marriage between more than two individuals is prohibited; however, a samenlevingscontract may include more than two partners. It legally accepts immigrants who are in such a union from a country where it is legal; e.g. if a man with two wives immigrates to The Netherlands, all three will be legally recognized.{{cite journal|last1=Geysegom|title=Samenlevingscontracten 1997: focus op het buurtniveauPretekst|date=1997|issue=12|pages=17–19}} In Romania, bigamy, defined as marriage conducted by a person who is already married, is punishable by up to 2 years in prison or fine. Knowingly marrying a married person is punishable by up to 1 year in prison or by fine.{{cite web | url=http://lege5.ro/Gratuit/gezdmnrzgi/codul-penal-din-2009?pid=135200274&d=2009-07-24#p-135200274 | title=Romanian Penal Code, art. 376 | access-date=5 February 2015}} In Sweden, a person who is already married is not permitted to enter into another marriage. In the past, Sweden generally recognized polygamous marriages performed abroad.[http://www.svd.se/manggifte-godkanns--ibland Svenska Dagbladet: Månggifte godkänns – ibland] (accessed 15 January 2016)[http://www.aftonbladet.se/wendela/article10208987.ab Aftonbladet: Jodå – månggifte ÄR tillåtet i Sverige] (accessed 15 January 2016){{Cite web |url=http://www.exponerat.net/tillatet-for-man-att-ha-flera-fruar/ |title=Tillåtet för män att ha flera fruar |access-date=15 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119145940/http://www.exponerat.net/tillatet-for-man-att-ha-flera-fruar/ |archive-date=19 January 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} However, the Swedish government decided to task an inquiry chair with reviewing how to prevent recognition of foreign polygamous marriages in Sweden; Deputy Minister for Justice, Heléne Fritzon stating that "Polygamous marriages should not be recognised in Sweden and we need to review the existing legal loophole that makes it possible. Polygamous marriages undermine gender equality and, according to the UN, it can have serious emotional and financial consequences".{{Cite web|url=https://www.government.se/press-releases/2018/07/new-rules-against-foreign-polygamous-marriages/|title=New rules against foreign polygamous marriages|date=25 July 2018}} Since 2021, Sweden no longer recognizes foreign polygamous marriages, save in exceptional circumstances.{{Cite web|url=http://193.11.1.138/en/news/2021/maj/26/the-act-on-polygamy-and-marriage-between-related-persons-to-be-tightened/|title = The Act on Polygamy and Marriage between Related Persons to be tightened}}
• {{flagdeco|Georgia (country)}} Georgia
• {{flagdeco|Iceland}} Iceland
• {{flagdeco|Kosovo}} Kosovo
• {{flagdeco|Liechtenstein}} Liechtenstein
• {{flagdeco|Moldova}} Moldova
• {{flagdeco|Monaco}} Monaco
• {{flagdeco|Montenegro}} Montenegro
• {{flagdeco|North Macedonia}} North Macedonia
• {{flagdeco|Norway}} Norway
• {{flagdeco|Russian Federation}} Russia: Polygamous marriages are not recognized in Russia. The Family Code of Russia states that a marriage can only be contracted between a man and a woman, neither of whom is married to someone else. Furthermore, Russia does not recognize polygamous marriages that had been contracted in other countries. However, neither bigamy nor de facto polygamy are criminalized.
• {{flagdeco|San Marino}} San Marino
• {{flagdeco|Serbia}} Serbia
• {{flagdeco|Switzerland}} Switzerland: Polygamy is illegal by law. But polygamous marriage conducted in another country may be accepted or rejected on a case-by-case basis.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rwi.uzh.ch/oe/cimels/Eheschliessungen_im_Ausland.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=15 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031944/http://www.rwi.uzh.ch/oe/cimels/Eheschliessungen_im_Ausland.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagdeco|Turkey}} Turkey
• {{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Ukraine
• {{flagdeco|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom: Foreign polygamous marriages grant some welfare benefits only, but this is being phased out with the introduction of Universal Credit. Polygamy is treated as bigamy if a second marriage (or civil partnership) is contracted in the United Kingdom. No legal recognition is extended to spouses of subsequent marriages after the first marriage is recognised even when subsequent marriages are contracted abroad.
• {{flagdeco|Vatican City}} Vatican City (Holy See)

• {{flagdeco|Australia}} Australia: Polygamous marriages cannot be performed in Australia, but polygamous relationships are still common within some indigenous Australian communities.{{cite web|url=https://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/12.%20Aboriginal%20Marriages%20and%20Family%20Structures/marriages-aboriginal-societies-today|title=Aboriginal Marriages and Family Structures|work=Australian Law Reform Commission|access-date=20 October 2017|archive-date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823095724/https://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/12.%2520Aboriginal%2520Marriages%2520and%2520Family%2520Structures/marriages-aboriginal-societies-today|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/tvepisode/polygamy|title=How common is polygamy in Australia? And how does it work?|date=29 May 2012|work=SBS|access-date=20 October 2017|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020085449/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/tvepisode/polygamy|url-status=dead}} Polygamous marriages entered into abroad are recognised for limited purposes{{which|date=February 2017}} only.{{cite web|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s6.html|title=FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 - SECT 6 Polygamous marriages|website=www.austlii.edu.au}}
• {{flagdeco|Fiji}} Fiji
• {{flagdeco|Kiribati}} Kiribati
• {{flagdeco|Marshall Islands}} Marshall Islands
• {{flagdeco|Micronesia}} Micronesia
• {{flagdeco|Nauru}} Nauru
• {{flagdeco|New Zealand}} New Zealand: Polygamous marriages cannot be performed in New Zealand, but are permissible if they are legally performed in a country that permits polygamy.
• {{flagdeco|Palau}} Palau
• {{flagdeco|PNG}} Papua New Guinea
• {{flagdeco|Samoa}} Samoa
• {{flagdeco|Tonga}} Tonga
• {{flagdeco|Tuvalu}} Tuvalu
• {{flagdeco|Vanuatu}} Vanuatu

In most countries, a person who marries a person while still being lawfully married to another commits bigamy, a criminal offence, though penalties vary between jurisdictions. Besides, the second and subsequent marriages are considered legally null and void.

The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand permit some benefits for spouses of polygamous marriages performed abroad. In the past, Sweden used to recognize polygamous marriages performed abroad; but

since 2021, Sweden no longer recognizes such marriages, save in exceptional circumstances. In Switzerland polygamous marriages conducted abroad may be accepted or rejected on a case-by-case basis;{{cite web |url=http://www.rwi.uzh.ch/oe/cimels/Eheschliessungen_im_Ausland.pdf |title=Eheschliessungen im Ausland |website=Rwi.uzh.ch |access-date=2017-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031944/http://www.rwi.uzh.ch/oe/cimels/Eheschliessungen_im_Ausland.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }} see § Europe.

In Canada, both bigamy (article 290 of the Criminal code of Canada){{cite web | url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-40.html#h-120960 | title=Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Criminal Code | date=23 June 2022 }}) and de facto polygamy (article 293 of the Criminal Code) {{cite web | url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-41.html#docCont | title=Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Criminal Code | date=23 June 2022 }} are illegal, but there are provisions in the property law of at least the Canadian province of Saskatchewan that consider the possibility of de facto multiple marriage-like situations (e.g. if an already married person enters into a second common-law relationship situation without first obtaining a legal divorce from their existing spouse).{{cite web |url=https://stoppolygamyincanada.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/the-problem-of-relationship-overlap-in-saskatchewan/ |title=The Problem of "relationship overlap" in Saskatchewan|date=5 January 2011}}{{better source |reason=That's an advocacy blog, not a reliable source. It is probably quoting the Minister of Justice + Attorney General correctly, but the blog is not a reliable source, and a letter by one person is a primary source that does not seem appropriate |date=September 2022}}

The vast majority of sovereign states with a Muslim-majority population recognize polygamous marriages: these states span from the West Africa to Southeast Asia, with the exceptions of Turkey, Tunisia, Albania, Kosovo and Central Asian countries.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XHF8AgAAQBAJ&pg=PT230|title=Women, Islam and Everyday Life: Renegotiating Polygamy in Indonesia|first=Nina|last=Nurmila|date=10 June 2009|publisher=Routledge|via=Google Books|isbn=9781134033706}}{{cite web |url=http://www.thinkafricapress.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthinkafricapress.com%2Ftunisia%2Ffuture-state-feminism#2848 |title=Tunisia: Protecting Ben Ali's Feminist Legacy |author=Maike Voorhoeve |publisher=Think Africa Press |date=31 January 2013 |access-date=23 January 2015 |archive-date=23 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123221720/http://www.thinkafricapress.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthinkafricapress.com%2Ftunisia%2Ffuture-state-feminism#2848 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=njPYSxcBV-EC&pg=PA272|title=Social Assessment and Agricultural Reform in Central Asia and Turkey|first1=Ay?e|last1=Kudat|first2=Stan|last2=Peabody|first3=Ça?lar|last3=Keyder|date=29 December 2017|publisher=World Bank Publications|via=Google Books|isbn=9780821346785}}{{cite web|url= https://www.un.org/press/fr/2007/FEM1625.doc.htm|title= LES EXPERTS DU CEDAW S'INQUIÈTENT DE LA PERSISTANCE DE STÉRÉOTYPES SEXISTES ET DE LA SITUATION DES MINORITÉS EN SERBIE|publisher= United Nations|date= 16 May 2007|access-date= 3 February 2016}}

Predominantly Christian nations usually do not allow polygamy, with a handful of exceptions such as the Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Zambia.

Almost a dozen countries that do not permit polygamous civil marriages recognize polygamous marriages under customary law. All the northern states in Nigeria governed by Islamic Sharia law recognize polygamous marriages. The autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland in northern Somalia also recognize polygamy, as does the country's Transitional Federal Government itself, since the country is governed by Sharia law. The recently independent country of Southern Sudan also recognizes polygamy.

Polyandry is de facto the norm in rural areas of Tibet, although it is illegal under Chinese family law. Polygamy continues in Bhutan in various forms as it has since ancient times. It is also found in parts of Nepal,{{cite web|last=Grabianowski |first=Ed |url=http://people.howstuffworks.com/polygamy.htm |title=How Polygamy Works |date=31 May 2006 |publisher=People.howstuffworks.com |access-date=21 October 2010}} despite its formal illegality in the country.{{cite web |url=http://www.boloji.com/wfs2/wfs297.htm |title=Multiple Damage of Polygamy by Saktida |publisher=Boloji.com |date=31 October 2004 |access-date=21 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131054400/http://boloji.com/wfs2/wfs297.htm |archive-date=31 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}

Debates of legalizing polygamous marriages continue in Central Asian countries.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}}

In 2000, the United Nations Human Rights Committee reported that polygamy violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), citing concerns that the lack of "equality of treatment with regard to the right to marry" meant that polygamy, restricted to polygyny in practice, violates the dignity of women and should be outlawed.

{{cite web |title=Equality of Rights Between Men and Women |url=http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/gencomm/hrcom28.htm |publisher=University of Minnesota Human Rights Library}} Specifically, the reports to UN Committees have noted violations of the ICCPR due to these inequalities{{cite web |title=OHCHR report |url=http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/ngos/IHRLS_Chad_95.pdf |publisher=Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights}} and reports to the General Assembly of the UN have recommended it be outlawed.{{cite web |title=Report of the Human Rights Committee |url=http://www.ccprcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/A_63_40_Vol.I_E.pdf |publisher=United Nations General Assembly}}{{cite web|title=GENERAL COMMENTS ADOPTED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE UNDER ARTICLE 40, PARAGRAPH 4, OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS |url=http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/0/13b02776122d4838802568b900360e80 |publisher=United Nations Human Rights Website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630225551/http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/0/13b02776122d4838802568b900360e80 |archive-date=30 June 2013 }}

Some countries where polygamy is legal are not signatories of ICCPR, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Brunei and South Sudan; so that ICCPR does not apply to these countries.{{cite web |url=https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-4&chapter=4&lang=en |title=United Nations Treaty Collection |access-date=6 June 2016 |archive-date=8 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408174039/https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-4&chapter=4&lang=en |url-status=dead }} It has been argued by the Department of Justice of Canada that polygyny is a violation of international human rights law.{{cite web |title=POLYGYNY AS A VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW |date=11 July 2006 |url=http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/other-autre/poly/chap3.html |publisher=Department of Justice, Government of Canada}}

The tables below cover recent pieces of legislation that have been either debated, proposed or voted on; all of which concerns a form of polygamous union.

• Polygamy
• List of polygamy court cases

{{reflist}}

{{Polygamous marriage}}

{{Close plural relationships}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Legal Status Of Polygamy}}

Category:Polygamy law