Worldwide Age of Consent
The age of consent relates to the legally recognised age at which a young person of any sex, gender or sexual orientation can lawfully consent to sexual activity
Select a country from the list
Puberty (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Discrepancy)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
21 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
14 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
14 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
14 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
17 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
17 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
14 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
14 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
13 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
17 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
14 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
13 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
17 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unequal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
18 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
15 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Unknown)
16 years old (LGBTQIA+ Status: Equal)
KEY FACTS
- The average age of consent in the world is 17 years old
- 163 (or 70%) of countries have an equal age of consent, which is the standard for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In 46 (or 19.7%) of countries, the LGBTQIA+ equality status is unknown
- 23 (or 9.9%) of countries have a different age of consent as a standard than for those that identify as LGBTQIA+, and 1 (or 0.4%) of countries, there is a discrepancy in terms of the law
- In 2024, in terms of the age of consent:
- 130 (or 55.8%) of countries around the world have an age of consent of 18, followed by 73 (or 31.3%) with an age of consent of 16
- 25 (or 10.7%) countries have an age of consent of 15 or below, and 1 defines the age of consent as Puberty
- Only 1 country defines the age of consent as 21 years of age
- In the countries in which it is still illegal to be in same-sex relationships, 13 (or 19.7%) out of 66 countries have an age of consent below the age of 15
- The average age for those countries that have decriminalised same-sex relationships or never had laws in place criminalising homosexuality is 16.3 years of age, whereas the average age is 15.8 for those countries that still criminalise homosexuality
- Of those countries that have decriminalised same-sex relationships or never had laws in place criminalising homosexuality, 12 (or 7.2%) out of 167 countries have an age of consent below the age of 15
- Compared to the LGBTQIA+ Population Statistics:
- 126.5 million (or 59%) people live in countries where the age of consent is 18 and 14.8 million (or 6.9%) of people live in countries where the age of consent is 15 or below
- Over 199.5 million (or 93%) of the world’s LGBTQIA+ population live in countries where the age of consent is 16 years of age and over
- Compared to the LGBTQIA+ Equality Index in 2024:
- For the 59 (or 25.3%) countries that score low or low within the index, the average age of consent is 17.1; the lowest age is 13, and the highest is 18
- For the 99 (or 42.5%) countries that score medium within the index, the average age of consent is 16.9; the lowest age is 13, and the highest is 21
- For the 75 (or 32.2%) countries that score medium within the index, the average age of consent is 17.4; the lowest age is 14, and the highest is 18
LGBTQIA+ COUNTRY & REGION GUIDES
With countries around the world treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community differently, planning an overseas trip can be challenging. With over 233 country and 435 regional guides, Gayther guides provide you with all the information you need when planning your trip. From LGBTQIA equality to essential travel information, discover Gayther guides today
Click on a specific country within the map to find out the Age of Consent
TAKING PRIDE IN YOU
Acceptance and coming to terms with a part of what makes you can be challenging for many people. The Gayther pride in series is about celebrating all things relating to sexualities, gender identities and special groups. Showcasing the exceptional people, interesting facts and ways to connect with those unique communities, all designed to help and promote pride in LGBTQIA+ identities
The age of consent relates to the legally recognised age at which a young person of any sex, gender or sexual orientation can lawfully consent to sexual activity. The legal protection was put in place in many countries around the world to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and provides guardians and the authorities the ability to prosecute offenders that violate this law. The minimum age varies from country to country, and often, there is a disparity between genders and sexual orientations.
The law is often linked to the age at which an individual is considered an adult, and the penalty and severity of the prosecution of anyone violating the law are typically more serious the older the perturbator might be. The legal defence of whether they looked older or told me that they were over the age of consent is often not sufficient as most people under the age of consent will usually be considered minors and legally will not be held responsible for their actions. Ultimately, if engaging in sexual activity with a young adult, especially where the age of consent is 18 or 21, it is vital to seek proof of the person’s age; otherwise, you might be committing an offence and face prosecution.
In many countries, historically, the age of consent was different for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, with individuals often being required to be two or more years older than the standard age of consent. Many countries have corrected biased and discriminatory practices, usually aligning the age of consent. In countries where same-sex activities are illegal, the age of consent is often irrelevant as LGBTQIA+-related actions are considered prohibited; however, if one party were considered a minor, the penalty would likely be more severe.
The age of consent is an important legal protection for minors to ensure they do not engage in or are subject to sexual abuse before they are of legal and emotional maturity in which they can make informed decisions. Though the age can vary, countries take these laws seriously, so it is essential that before you travel, especially if you plan to meet or hook up with local people, you understand the age of consent and the various ways you can protect yourself whilst you are there.
WHO DO YOU CALL IN AN EMERGENCY...
When we travel abroad, most of us will have fun and pleasant visits, often without any major problems or incidents. In the event something bad happens, knowing who to call quickly can be a matter of life and death. The Gayther Emergency Services tool features emergency numbers for every country worldwide. With three separate methods for finding emergency service information, as well, as quick dial buttons, getting help quickly can be fast and simple
Learn more about the age of consent around the world by country name (in alphabetical order). If you want to learn more about any country, please click on the flag or the country name, which will open the required content in a new window.
For each country listed, you will discover information relating to the age of consent, as well as the status, which includes:
- Equal – means that the age of consent is the same for men, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals (if applicable)
- Unequal – implies that the age of consent is different for men, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals (if applicable)
- Discrepancy – means that the age of consent is unclear, and there might be discrepancies concerning the information
- Unknown – means that the age of consent is unknown or there is no public information about the different treatment between sex, gender and sexual orientation.
DISCOVER HOW WELL THE COMMUNITY ARE TREATED..
From marriages and unions to the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships, discover how well each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Updated each year, you can learn of the positive and negative developments for every country worldwide. Learn more about LGBTQIA+ Worldwide equality today
To keep up to date, we will typically update all of our community indices in the first quarter of every year (before March) to keep a consistent position. Should a landmark event occur, we would endeavour to change all relevant indices as quickly as possible.
When reviewing data, it is crucial to understand what it represents, whether it reflects the world and the experience of all those affected. Changes within any given country or region are not restricted to a specific month of the year or even are automatically triggered. Change, especially concerning equality, gender recognition, same-sex marriages and the status of gay conversion therapy, often takes work. Typically by many large groups of dedicated and focused individuals advocating and fighting for justice for positive change within their local communities.
The indices have been created to help you understand the world around you; however, engaging with your global community is essential. It is vital, especially if you are familiar with your desired destination. By reaching out and communicating with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can establish critical details. It only takes a small amount of effort in locating people from or those who have already visited your particular destination for advice. Engaging on social media and Gayther’s networking platform, Gayther Affinity, can help you connect with the global LGBTQIA+ community.
When reviewing data, it is crucial to understand what it represents, whether it reflects the world and the experience of all those affected. Changes within any given country or region are not restricted to a specific month of the year or even are automatically triggered. Change, especially concerning equality, gender recognition, same-sex marriages and the status of gay conversion therapy, often takes work. Typically by many large groups of dedicated and focused individuals advocating and fighting for justice for positive change within their local communities.
The indices have been created to help you understand the world around you; however, engaging with your global community is essential. It is vital, especially if you are familiar with your desired destination. By reaching out and communicating with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can establish critical details. It only takes a small amount of effort in locating people from or those who have already visited your particular destination for advice. Engaging on social media and Gayther’s networking platform, Gayther Affinity, can help you connect with the global LGBTQIA+ community.
Last Updated: June 6, 2024
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NOTES
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The Worldwide Age of Consent information has been compiled from various sources and websites. The information has been based on the rules and laws at a national level rather than for any given region, state or province. For some countries, whether there was limited or conflicting information regarding the age of consent, the final entry would be based on consistent data and reasonable judgment. The Worldwide Age of Consent guide is for illustrative purposes only; we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data, and none of the information constitutes advice. It is essential that you carry out independent research on any countries you plan to visit before going, as information changes frequently. Your country’s foreign office will advise you on any given country’s status and whether it is safe to travel there.
- The index has been compiled and is correct as of Jun 6, 2024
- The index has been compiled using a variety of different sources, including news articles, publications and websites such as Wikipedia
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The Worldwide Age of Consent information has been compiled from various sources and websites. The information has been based on the rules and laws at a national level rather than for any given region, state or province. For some countries, whether there was limited or conflicting information regarding the age of consent, the final entry would be based on consistent data and reasonable judgment. The Worldwide Age of Consent guide is for illustrative purposes only; we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data, and none of the information constitutes advice. It is essential that you carry out independent research on any countries you plan to visit before going, as information changes frequently. Your country’s foreign office will advise you on any given country’s status and whether it is safe to travel there.
