(a 7 minute read)

Some countries have more women than men. This can happen for many reasons. In some places, women live longer than men. In others, many men move abroad for work.

This pattern is common in Eastern Europe. Many countries in that region have a bigger female population because of history, health, migration, and life expectancy.

For travelers, this is not just a number. It can also tell us something about a country’s culture, family life, and social history. Here are 10 countries where women make up a larger share of the population.

10. Serbia

Belgrade, Serbia
Erik Cleves Kristensen, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Serbia is one of the countries where women slightly outnumber men. It is located in Southeast Europe and is known for its old towns, lively cafes, and strong family culture.

Belgrade, the capital, is a popular place for visitors. It has river views, historic buildings, and a busy nightlife scene.

The gender gap in Serbia is linked to longer life expectancy among women and wider population trends seen across parts of Eastern Europe.

9. Tonga

people dancing during daytime
Photo by Jovi Waqa on Unsplash

Tonga is a small island country in Polynesia. It has one of the higher shares of women in its population, with women making up about 52.59%.

This Pacific nation is known for clear water, coral reefs, and a relaxed island lifestyle. Travelers often visit for beaches, whale watching, and local culture.

Tonga is different from many other countries on this list because it is not in Europe. Its place on the list shows that gender balance can shift for many reasons in different parts of the world.

8. Lithuania

Vilnius, Lithuania
Reza Bina/Unsplash

Lithuania is another country where women make up a larger part of the population. Women are about 52.85% of the country’s people.

This Baltic country is known for its green forests, quiet lakes, and pretty old towns. Vilnius, the capital, has a charming Old Town with narrow streets and colorful buildings.

The higher number of women is not because more girls are born there. It is more linked to life expectancy, as women often live longer than men.

7. Belarus

Pinsk, Belarus
CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Belarus also has more women than men. Women make up around 53.4% of the population.

The country has wide forests, peaceful lakes, and cities with Soviet-era buildings. Minsk, the capital, is known for broad streets and large public squares.

A major reason for the gender gap is life expectancy. Women in Belarus tend to live much longer than men. This creates a clear difference in the older age groups.

6. Georgia

Savannah, Georgia,USA
Tyler Edic/Unsplash

Georgia is often called the birthplace of wine. It is also one of the countries where women make up a larger share of the population.

Women make up about 53.4% of Georgia’s people. Like other former Soviet countries, Georgia has a noticeable gap between how long women and men live.

For travelers, Georgia is full of charm. It has mountain villages, old churches, warm food culture, and the busy capital city of Tbilisi.

5. Ukraine

Odessa, Ukraine
Konstantin Brizhnichenko, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Ukraine is another Eastern European country where women outnumber men. Women in Ukraine often live much longer than men.

The country has a deep history, rich food traditions, and many beautiful cities. Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa are some of its best-known places.

Ukraine’s population balance has been shaped by life expectancy, migration, and major events in its history. These factors have made women a larger part of the population.

4. Russia

Siberian Taiga, Russia
Bartosh Dmytro, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Russia has had more women than men for many decades. This pattern became stronger after World War II and has continued since then.

Russian women have a life expectancy that is around 11 years longer than Russian men. This is one of the main reasons for the gender gap.

Russia is the largest country in the world. It stretches across Europe and Asia. Visitors may know it for Moscow, Saint Petersburg, long train routes, snowy landscapes, and grand historic sites.

3. Armenia

Noravank Monastery in a mountain gorge, Armenia
Daria Kurennaya/Unsplash

Armenia ranks high on the list, with women making up about 53.61% of the population.

This small country in the Caucasus is known for ancient churches, mountain views, and deep cultural roots. Yerevan, the capital, is one of the world’s older continuously lived-in cities.

One reason for Armenia’s gender gap is migration. Many men have moved abroad to find work. This has affected the balance between men and women in the country.

2. Latvia

Karosta Prison, Liepāja, Latvia
www.karosta.lv

Latvia has one of the highest shares of women compared with men. It is another former Soviet nation where women outnumber men.

The country sits on the Baltic Sea and is known for forests, beaches, and the beautiful capital city of Riga. Riga’s old town is popular with travelers because of its history, cafes, and architecture.

As in nearby countries, longer female life expectancy is a big part of the reason why Latvia has more women than men.

1. Moldova

green trees near body of water during daytime
Photo by Oksana Simanovscaia on Unsplash

Moldova has the highest share of women on this list. It is a small Eastern European country between Romania and Ukraine.

Moldova is known for vineyards, quiet villages, and a slower pace of life. Its capital, Chișinău, is a calm city with parks, markets, and Soviet-style buildings.

The country’s gender balance is shaped by migration and life expectancy. Many people leave Moldova for work, and this can affect the male and female population balance.

The countries with more women than men are often shaped by deep social and historic reasons. In many places, women live longer. In others, men leave for work or past events have changed the population.

For travelers, these facts add another layer to understanding a country. Behind every number is a real story about families, cities, work, health, and history.