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5 Countries Where Polygamy Is Legal
Polygamy is a practice in which a person is married to more than one person at the same time, most commonly a man to several wives. Polygamy is often based on traditional cultural practices or religious beliefs. Usually, it is legally practiced in some Muslim countries and is restricted to men having Islamic faith.
However, this practice is decreasing due to the economic and social conditions. Here are five countries where polygamy is legal.
1. Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, the Quran allows a man to take a maximum of four wives. The man is permitted to treat all his wives equally. Therefore, polygamy is consequently recognized and is in practice in Afghanistan. But, the regulations are rarely followed. Besides, Afghans are allowed to take an unspecified number of women as their wives or concubines.
2. Algeria
Polygamy is legal in Algeria, where a man can take up to four wives. But, the recent amendments to the Algerian Family Code have made it difficult to do such marriages. Therefore, the occurrence of polygamy has been rare. However, currently only 3 percent of the population practices polygamy.
3. Pakistan
According to the law of 1961, the Muslim majority is permissible to practice polygamy in Pakistan. The men with Islamic faith are allowed to take a maximum of four wives. But, before the arrangement of a second marriage, he is required to obtain the legal consent of his first wife.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
According to the United Arab Emirates law, polygamy is legal in the UAE but restricted to males having Islamic faith. A man can take four wives only if he can offer equal treatment and sustenance to all the wives.
5. Cameroon
Polygamy is practiced in Cameron as the symbol of wealth and status for the men. It is practiced chiefly in rural areas. Unlike other countries, men in Cameroon do not limit how many wives a man can take. However, polygamy is decreasing slowly due to economic and social reasons.
