The age of consent—the period at which someone is legally allowed to agree to a sexual relationship—varies worldwide. In some countries, the age of consent is as low as 12 or 13, while in others, it is as high as 18 to 21.
Here we look at 14 countries with the oldest age of consent. In all these countries, the age of consent is 18 or older, meaning anyone below that age is not legally allowed to agree to a sexual relationship.
While some countries have a single age of consent, others have different laws for various sexual activities. So if you’re wondering how old you need to be before you’re allowed to agree to a sexual relationship, look at this list of 14 countries with the oldest age of consent.
14. Eritrea
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 3,684,032
GDP Per Capita: $740
Region: Africa
photo source: TripAdvisor
Eritrea is a country in North Africa with an age of consent of 18. It borders Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. The country has a coastline along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Eritrea is home to many cultures and religions, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
The country is a former Italian colony, and many archaeological sites throughout the country date back to this time period.
The capital city of Asmara was founded by the Italians in 1894 and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Eritrea has been in the news recently because of its political unrest. In 2018, there were protests against President Isaias Afwerki’s government. The protests turned violent, and security forces shot into crowds of innocent people.
Did You Know?
Eritrea is one of the World’s most repressive countries regarding political rights, civil liberties, and freedom of expression.
13. Gambia
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 2,705,992
GDP Per Capita: $750
Region: Africa
photo source: Nations Online Project
The age of consent in Gambia is 18 years old. The country is located in West Africa and has a population of more than 2.7 million people as of 2022. It covers an area of almost 74,000 square kilometers and has a climate that ranges from tropical to arid desert.
Gambia has a high literacy rate and is one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. It was once a British colony but gained independence in 1965.
The country has been ruled by the same party since 1994 and has experienced only one coup d’etat since its formation in 1971. Gambia has a multi-party system, and the current president is Adama Barrow. The country’s economy relies on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Its main exports include groundnuts (peanuts), fish, and other seafood products.
Did You Know?
It currently has one of the highest poverty rates in the World, with about 75% of the population living below the national poverty line.
12. Gabon
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 2,388,992
GDP Per Capita: $7,100
Region: Africa
photo source: Adequate Travel
In Gabon, it is illegal for an adult to engage in sex with anyone under 18 and/or mentally disabled. Under SDG 5.3’s aim of eliminating child, early, and forced marriages, Gabon has pledged to do so by 2030. At the Human Rights Council in 2014, Gabon joined with other signatories to demand a resolution on child marriage.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child mandates a marriage age minimum of 18, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which requires states to ensure that individuals have free and informed consent to marriage, were both ratified by Gabon in 1994 and 1983, respectively. In Gabon, most marriages are traditional or religious.
Did You Know?
Girls are more likely to be married off young and throughout a marriage since the government does not require the certification of customary and religious practices.
11. Equatorial Guinea
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 1,674,908
GDP Per Capita: $6,700
Region: Africa
photo source: Guinea Ecuatorial
Gender inequality and the idea that women and girls are somewhat less valuable than men and boys are the leading causes of child marriage. In Equatorial Guinea, nothing is known about child marriage. Pregnant females in Equatorial Guinea are not permitted to attend school.
Unplanned pregnancies, underage marriages, and pregnancies brought on by sexual assault are also common. In addition to depriving pregnant girls and adolescent mothers of their access to education, doing so exposes them to further violence, suffering, and poverty.
Did You Know?
Although the legal consent age in this nation is 18, almost 30% of females in Equatorial Guinea get married before becoming 18, and 9% before turning 15.
10. Djibouti
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 1,120,849
GDP Per Capita: $1,950
Region: Africa
photo source: Adequate Travel
In Djibouti, the legal age of consent is 18 years old. Therefore, the legal minimum age at which a person can consent to engage in sexual conduct is known as the age of consent.
Sexual behavior with anybody under 17 is illegal in Djibouti, and those who do so risk being charged with statutory rape or another related crime. However, when someone engages in consenting sexual intercourse outside of marriage with a person under 18, Djibouti’s statutory rape legislation is broken.
Did You Know?
While the consent is 18 years old, minors can get married with their parent’s permission.
9. Bhutan
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 782,455
GDP Per Capita: $3,500
Region: Asia
photo source: Wondermondo
In Bhutan, 18 is considered to be the age of consent. Therefore, it is illegal for anybody under 17 to give their permission for sexual intercourse, and those who do so risk being charged with statutory rape or another related crime.
When someone engages in consenting sexual intercourse with a person under 18, they violate the statutory rape statute of Bhutan.
However, the problem of child brides in this developing nation means that there is sometimes no age of consent, leading to serious health issues and even fatalities of these child brides—sometimes, on the very night the marriage is consummated.
Did You Know?
A divided discussion has resulted from a proposal presented in 2019 to lower the legal consent age from 18 to 16.
8. Malta
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 533,286
GDP Per Capita: 29,000
Region: Europe
photo source: PlanetWare
Malta is a small island country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, southwest of Italy. It has an area of just over 316 square miles and a population of just over 500,000 as of 2022.
The age of consent in Malta is 18 years old, the same age as one can legally consume alcohol. In addition, smoking cigarettes anywhere in public spaces, including bars and restaurants, is illegal.
Malta has a diverse history as a seafaring nation, with many cultures influencing its architecture, cuisine, and language over the years.
Did You Know?
The country’s official languages are Maltese and English; both are spoken by most people who live there today.
7. Seychelles
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 107,118
GDP Per Capita: $15,500
Region: Africa
photo source: The Knot
The age of consent in Seychelles is 18 years old. Seychelles is a country located in the Indian Ocean. It is made up of 115 islands and has an estimated population of just over 100,000 people. The country has a tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and warm winters. Seychelles has a diverse culture.
The main religion is Christianity, but Hinduism and Islam are also practiced in the country. Seychelles’ economy is based on tourism and finance, with tourism being its largest source of foreign exchange earnings. Seychelles also has an economic partnership agreement with India and China.
Did You Know?
In addition to its native language of Creole, English and French are spoken by most residents of Seychelles.
6. Northern Mariana Islands
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 49,551
GDP Per Capita: $27,585
Region: Australia & Oceania
photo source: HuffPost
The age of consent in the Northern Mariana Islands is 18 years old. The law also prohibits child pornography, the production, and possession of materials depicting minors engaged in explicit sexual activity.
The Northern Mariana Islands are located north of the Philippines, east of Guam, west of Palau, and south of Japan. The capital city of Saipan has a population of about 50,000 people.
Did You Know?
The country has a total land area of about 110 square miles (285 sq km) divided into 14 islands.
5. Vatican City
Age of Consent: 18 years old
Population: 510 (2022)
GDP Per Capita: $21,198
Region: Europe
photo source: Travel Triangle
Vatican City has an age of consent of 18 years old, established in 1929. It is the smallest country in the World and one of the oldest. It is a city-state that is located in Rome, Italy.
The name “Vatican” comes from Vatican Hill, which sits on top of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. In 324 AD, Emperor Constantine took control of this temple and converted it into a Christian church.
Did You Know?
The word “Vatican” comes from the Latin word vaticinium, which means prophet or seer.
4. Niue
Age of Consent: 19 years old
Population: 1,934 (2022)
GDP Per Capita: $14,546
Region: Australia & Oceania
photo source: Niue Pocket Guide
The age of consent in Niue is 19. In addition to being one of the oldest countries in the World, Niue is also one of the smallest. It has a population of only around 1,900 people as of 2022 and is located in Polynesia.
In addition to its small size, Niue has a small economy with few exports and an even smaller GDP per capita at just over $14,000 annually. There are no natural resources in Niue or any major industries besides tourism and fishing; however, it has beautiful beaches that attract tourists from around the World.
Did You Know?
The country’s official language is English, but it also has a language called “Niuean.” It’s estimated that less than 1,000 people speak Niuean fluently.
3. South Korea
Age of Consent: 20 years old
Population: 51,815,810 (2022)
GDP Per Capita: $28,075
Region: Asia
photo source: Travel2Next
South Korea has an age of consent of 20. South Korea’s population is estimated at 51 million people, and its GDP is $1.39 trillion, making it the 26th largest economy in the World. It is also one of only two countries in Asia with a free-market economy (the other being Hong Kong).
South Korea is a member of the United Nations, WTO, and OECD. South Korea is also one of the World’s top 20 exporters and importers. In addition, various organizations consistently rank it as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the World.
Did You Know?
The official language in South Korea is Korean, and its territory spans 98,480 square miles (255,000 square kilometers) on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula.
2. Nepal
Age of Consent: 20 years old
Population: 30,547,580 (2022)
GDP Per Capita: $920
Region: Asia
photo source: TripAdvisor
Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordering China and India. It is the World’s only Hindu-majority country, with approximately 28% of the population practicing Buddhism. The legal age of consent in Nepal is 20 years old. This law applies to all population members regardless of gender or sexuality.
Nepal also has a very high child marriage rate: about 54% of girls are married before they turn 18. The government has been working to reduce this rate by increasing access to education for girls and raising awareness of the adverse effects of child marriage on women’s health and development.
Did You Know?
It is the 93rd largest country in the World, with an area of 147,181 square kilometers.
1. Bahrain
Age of Consent: 21 years old
Population: 1,472,233 (2022)
GDP Per Capita: $21,700
Region: Asia
photo source: iStock
Bahrain is a country in the Middle East located in the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It’s considered the country with the oldest age of consent which is 21 years old.
According to the World Bank, the nation has over 1.4 million people. Bahrain’s legal system is based on Islamic law, but it also allows civil courts to rule in cases concerning non-Muslims. In addition, the country’s constitution specifically prohibits discrimination based on sex, disability, race, or religion.
Did You Know?
The legal age of consent in Bahrain was last changed in 2011 when the government raised it from 16 to 21 years old, allowing those women who want to marry without their father’s consent.
