Top 5 Countries With the Highest Rates of Twin Births

Twinning has long captivated people, and studies have revealed that certain countries have higher rates of twin births. 

The study showed that  76 developing nations in Central Africa, in particular, have the highest frequency of twin births.

Here is a closer look at the Top 5:

Benin

Leading the global chart, Benin reports a natural twin birth rate of 27.9 per 1,000 births. This phenomenon is largely attributed to genetic factors prevalent among specific ethnic groups, making Benin a focal point for genetic research related to twinning.

Ivory Coast

Following closely is the Ivory Coast, with 24.9 twins per 1,000 births. Like in Benin, genetics play a significant role here, with certain hereditary traits enhancing the probability of having fraternal twins.

Nigeria

Known for its high number of twin births, particularly in the southwest regions like Igbo-Ora often called the “Twin Capital of the World”—Nigeria sees widespread twinning among the Yoruba ethnic group.

Central African Republic 

The twin birth rate is also prominent here, mainly due to genetic factors that are common in the region, leading to a higher occurrence of fraternal twins.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

In the DRC, both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the high rate of twin births, especially in rural areas where modern fertility treatments are less accessible.