Countries with a Predominance of Female Population
In many parts of the world, the male-to-female ratio tends to be close to equal, or even slightly male-biased at birth. However, various factors such as historical events, migration patterns, and differences in life expectancy can lead to a higher proportion of women in a country's population.
This demographic imbalance is particularly noticeable in certain regions, often Eastern Europe, and can have significant social and economic implications.
The reasons behind a higher female demographic can be multifaceted. For instance, countries that experienced significant male casualties in past wars, such as Russia, may still see the lingering effects on their current population structure. Additionally, male emigration for work opportunities, as seen in Armenia, can contribute to a skewed gender ratio. Furthermore, disparities in life expectancy, where women generally live longer than men due to a combination of biological and lifestyle factors, play a crucial role, especially in older age groups.
Here's a look at some of the countries with the highest proportion of women in their population, based on recent available data:
| Rank | Country/Region | Female Population (% of Total) | Key Contributing Factors (where noted) |
| 1 | Hong Kong SAR | 54.9% | - |
| 2 | Moldova | 54.0% | Lower female labor force participation despite higher tertiary education, traditional gender norms, challenges in gender equality. |
| 3 | Macao SAR | 53.9% | - |
| 4 | Latvia | 53.7% | Higher male mortality rates, particularly after age 65 due to health issues (e.g., smoking). |
| 5 | Armenia | 53.6% | Many men leave for work abroad, women face barriers in workforce and politics despite higher education. |
| 6 | Russia | 53.6% | Historical events (WWII male casualties), lower male life expectancy due to health issues (alcoholism, suicide, diseases). |
| 7 | Ukraine | 53.5% | - |
| 8 | Georgia | 53.4% | - |
| 9 | Belarus | 53.4% | - |
| 10 | Puerto Rico | 52.9% | - |
| 11 | Lithuania | 52.8% | Higher male mortality rates. |
| 12 | Aruba | 52.8% | - |
| 13 | Tonga | 52.6% | - |
| 14 | Serbia | 52.5% | - |
| 15 | Estonia | 52.5% | Higher male mortality rates. |
Note: Data can vary slightly between different sources and over time due to various reporting methodologies and the dynamic nature of population changes.
These demographic patterns highlight the complex interplay of historical, social, economic, and health factors that shape a nation's population structure. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers to address gender-related challenges and promote balanced societal development.
Female Population in Hong Kong (SAR)
Hong Kong, as a Special Administrative Region of China, has a unique demographic profile, notably characterized by a higher female population. This imbalance is influenced by various factors, including migration patterns, particularly the significant inflow of female foreign domestic helpers and female one-way permit holders from mainland China.
The female population in Hong Kong has consistently outnumbered the male population in recent years. This trend is evident in the sex ratio (number of males per 1,000 females), which has shown a continuous decrease over the past decade.
Key Statistics and Trends
- Overall Dominance: Women constitute a larger proportion of the total population in Hong Kong. For instance, at the end of 2023, there were 4,102,600 females compared to 3,425,300 males.
- Declining Sex Ratio: The sex ratio has been on a downward trend. In 2023, the overall sex ratio was 838 males per 1,000 females. When foreign domestic helpers (who are predominantly female) are excluded, the ratio was 908 males per 1,000 females. This highlights the impact of foreign domestic helpers on the overall gender balance.
- Ageing Population: Both the male and female populations are experiencing an aging trend, with an increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over.
- Migration Influence: The large inflow of female one-way permit holders from mainland China (often joining husbands) and a substantial number of female foreign domestic helpers contribute significantly to the higher female population.
Female Population in Hong Kong (Selected Years)
The following table provides a snapshot of the female population in Hong Kong for selected years, illustrating the general trend:
| Year | Female Population (approx.) | Notes |
| 2011 | 4,023,000 | Mid-year population |
| 2016 | 3,954,365 | |
| 2021 | 4,022,200 | Mid-year population |
| 2022 | 4,062,800 | End-year population |
| 2023 | 4,102,600 | End-year population |
Note: Figures may vary slightly depending on the source (mid-year vs. end-year estimates, provisional figures, etc.). The Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong is the primary source for official demographic data.
Factors Contributing to the Gender Imbalance
- Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDHs): Hong Kong heavily relies on foreign domestic helpers, a vast majority of whom are female. Their presence significantly skews the overall sex ratio.
- One-Way Permit Holders: A considerable number of female "one-way permit" holders migrate from mainland China to Hong Kong to reunite with their families, further contributing to the female population.
- Life Expectancy: Females in Hong Kong generally have a higher life expectancy than males. In 2023, the expectation of life at birth for females was 87.9 years, compared to 82.5 years for males. This demographic factor also contributes to a higher proportion of older women in the population.
The demographic landscape of Hong Kong continues to evolve, and the prevalence of a higher female population remains a distinctive characteristic, shaped by a combination of social, economic, and migration factors.
Female Population in Moldova
Moldova, an Eastern European country, exhibits a notable demographic characteristic: a consistent predominance of its female population. This gender imbalance is a long-standing trend, influenced by various socio-economic factors, including historical patterns, migration, and differences in life expectancy between genders.
The female population in Moldova consistently outnumbers the male population, contributing to a sex ratio (males per 100 females) that is significantly lower than 100. This trend is observed across various age groups, though it becomes more pronounced in older demographics.
Key Statistics and Trends
- Overall Female Majority: Women constitute over 50% of Moldova's total population. For instance, in 2025, the female population is projected to be around 1.62 million, compared to approximately 1.38 million males, indicating about 240,000 more females than males.
- Low Sex Ratio: The sex ratio in Moldova is notably low. In 2025, it is projected to be around 85.15 males per 100 females, placing Moldova among countries with a high female-to-male ratio.
- Age-Specific Ratios: While males tend to slightly outnumber females in the youngest age groups (0-14 years), the female population begins to dominate from the mid-teens and becomes significantly more pronounced in older age brackets (e.g., 65 years and over), where there are far fewer men per 100 women.
- Life Expectancy: A key factor contributing to the higher female population is the longer life expectancy for women in Moldova. In 2025, the life expectancy at birth for females is projected to be around 87.9 years, whereas for males it is about 82.5 years.
Female Population in Moldova (Selected Years)
The table below illustrates the female population trends in Moldova over selected years:
| Year | Female Population (approx.) | Male Population (approx.) | Total Population (approx.) | Sex Ratio (Males per 100 Females) |
| 2000 | 2,271,771 | 1,963,195 | 4,234,967 | 86.42 |
| 2010 | 1,946,018 | 1,685,973 | 3,631,992 | 86.64 |
| 2015 | 1,761,457 | 1,525,707 | 3,287,164 | 86.62 |
| 2020 | 1,653,597 | 1,415,534 | 3,069,131 | 85.60 |
| 2021 | 1,630,650 | 1,393,129 | 3,023,778 | 85.43 |
| 2022 | 1,640,390 | 1,399,594 | 3,039,985 | 85.32 |
| 2023 | 1,655,457 | 1,411,613 | 3,067,070 | 85.27 |
| 2024 | 1,638,528 | 1,396,432 | 3,034,961 | 85.23 |
| 2025 | 1,618,239 | 1,377,866 | 2,996,106 | 85.15 |
Note: Data for future years are projections. Source: StatisticsTimes.com and other statistical bodies.
Contributing Factors to Gender Imbalance
- Life Expectancy Differences: As mentioned, Moldovan women generally live longer than men, which naturally leads to a higher proportion of females in older age cohorts and the overall population.
- Historical Factors: Post-Soviet transitions and economic challenges have often led to higher male mortality rates due to lifestyle choices, accidents, and health issues.
- Migration Patterns: While detailed gender-specific migration data can fluctuate, economic migration often sees both men and women seeking opportunities abroad. However, patterns might contribute to a net loss of males or a return of females, impacting the overall balance.
The demographic structure of Moldova, with its pronounced female majority, is a significant aspect of its social and economic landscape, with implications for labor force participation, social services, and future population trends.
Female Population in Macao SAR
Macao, officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a densely populated and highly urbanized region. Like its neighbor Hong Kong, Macao exhibits a demographic trend where the female population consistently outnumbers the male population. This phenomenon is influenced by various factors, including life expectancy, migration patterns, and the significant presence of non-resident workers.
The gender distribution in Macao shows a clear female majority. This is a consistent characteristic of the SAR's population structure, making the sex ratio (males per 100 females) notably below 100.
Key Statistics and Trends
- Dominant Female Population: The female population in Macao generally accounts for over 50% of the total population. For instance, at the end of the first quarter of 2025, females constituted approximately 53.7% of the total population.
- Sex Ratio Below 100: The sex ratio in Macao is consistently lower than 100, indicating more females than males. As of the end of the first quarter of 2025, there were 318,300 males and 369,600 females, leading to a sex ratio of approximately 86.13 males per 100 females.
- Impact of Non-Resident Workers: A significant factor contributing to the female majority is the large number of non-resident workers. While specific gender breakdowns for non-resident workers can fluctuate, a substantial portion of these workers, particularly in service industries, are female.
- Higher Female Life Expectancy: Similar to many developed regions, females in Macao have a higher life expectancy at birth than males. For example, in 2022, female life expectancy was around 88.02 years, while male life expectancy was about 82.09 years. This contributes to a larger proportion of older women in the population.
Female Population in Macao SAR (Selected Periods)
The following table presents the female population in Macao for recent periods, highlighting the consistent female majority:
| Period | Total Population (approx.) | Female Population (approx.) | Male Population (approx.) | % Female of Total | Sex Ratio (Males per 100 Females) |
| Q3 2024 (End of period) | 686,600 | 368,300 | 318,300 | 53.6% | 86.42 |
| Q1 2025 (End of period) | 687,900 | 369,600 | 318,300 | 53.7% | 86.13 |
Note: Data are sourced from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) of Macao SAR Government. Q1 refers to the first quarter.
Factors Contributing to the Female Majority
- Migration and Non-Resident Workers: Macao's thriving tourism and gaming industries attract a substantial number of non-resident workers. Many of these workers are women, particularly in hospitality, retail, and domestic service sectors, influencing the overall gender balance.
- Life Expectancy: The higher life expectancy for women in Macao means that women live longer on average than men, leading to a greater number of older women in the population and contributing to the overall female majority.
- Family Reunification Policies: While not as pronounced as in some other regions, family reunification policies may also play a role, with some female migrants joining their spouses or families in Macao.
The demographic structure of Macao, with its consistent female majority, reflects a combination of natural demographic trends and the unique socio-economic landscape of the Special Administrative Region.
Female Population: A Demographic Trend Shaped by Diverse Factors
The demographic landscape of many countries around the globe reveals a fascinating and consistent pattern: a higher number of females compared to males. This predominance of the female population, often reflected in a sex ratio (males per 100 females) below 100, is not a random occurrence but a result of complex interplay between biological, social, economic, and historical factors. As explored in the cases of Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Moldova, while the phenomenon is shared, the specific drivers can vary significantly from one region to another.
One of the most universal and fundamental biological reasons for a larger female population is higher female life expectancy. Women, on average, tend to live longer than men across most populations globally. This is attributed to a combination of biological resilience, lower rates of risky behaviors, and better health-seeking behaviors throughout their lives. As a result, older age cohorts consistently show a significant female majority, which, in turn, influences the overall population balance.
Beyond biology, migration patterns play a pivotal role, particularly in Special Administrative Regions like Hong Kong and Macao. These highly developed economies with robust service sectors often attract a substantial number of female migrant workers. In Hong Kong, the influx of female foreign domestic helpers is a prime example. Similarly, Macao's booming tourism and gaming industries draw a significant female workforce, particularly in hospitality and retail. These economic pulls create a demographic tilt that is distinct from natural population growth. Furthermore, in some regions, family reunification policies can lead to a higher inflow of female migrants.
Historical and socio-economic factors also contribute to the gender imbalance, as seen in the case of Moldova. Post-conflict or challenging economic periods can lead to higher male mortality rates due to lifestyle factors, accidents, and poorer health outcomes. While detailed current data is crucial for precise analysis, historical trends can leave a lasting impact on a country's age and gender structure.
In conclusion, the prevalence of a female-dominant population in various countries is a multi-faceted demographic characteristic. While a longer female life expectancy provides a foundational biological explanation, the unique economic structures, migration policies, and historical contexts of each nation or region further shape and intensify this trend. Understanding these intricate dynamics is essential for policymakers to address social services, labor force participation, and overall societal well-being in these predominantly female populations.