Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Ministers have ruled that men in polygamous marriages can receive state handouts for each wife, including additional income support, even though bigamy is illegal in the UK. A review of benefit rules for such marriages concluded in December that allowing husbands to claim for their additional wives remained the 'best possible' option. The decision will chiefly benefit Muslim men, as Islamic law allows them to have up to four wives. Multi-marriages are recognised by the Government – provided the weddings took place in countries where the practice is legal" (para 1-2). "While a married man cannot obtain a spouse visa to bring a second wife into Britain, some multiple partners...more

Countries: Tajikistan
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Though the state does not recognize polygamous marriages, Sharia law allows Muslim men to have multiple wives. These unions are consecrated by a mullah without the marriage being officially registered with the state" (para 5). "The Tajik authorities also turn a blind eye to many marriages because they fear that countermeasures could mean a path to an economic abyss for many women, according to Mirzoyeva. 'If serious attempts were made to change the situation, many women would slip below the poverty line, which would lead to some being forced into prostitution,' she said" (para 30-31).

Countries: Zambia
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Recognized under customary law. In some tribes, before marrying first wife, husband must get her permission to marry more wives in the future" (para 18).

Countries: Syria
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Legal (except for Kurdistan)" (para 18).

Countries: Mauritania
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Polygyny legal for up to four wives, but husband must get his existing wife's/wives' consent before marrying additional wives" (para 18).

Countries: South Africa
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Illegal under civil law, allowed under customary law [polygyny only]. Court permission required" (para 18).

Countries: Pakistan
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Polygyny legal up to four wives, but only for Muslims. Men must prove ability to financially support multiple wives, existing wives can forbid polygamy in marriage contract" (para 18).

Countries: Morocco
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Legal, but husband must be able to support additional wives financially and must have written permission from first wife" (para 18).

Countries: Maldives
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Legal and recognized, provided the husband can demonstrate financial ability to support multiple wives" (para 18).

Countries: Libya
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Polygyny legal up to four wives, but only for Muslims. Uncommon" (para 18).

Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Polygyny legal for up to four wives, but increasingly rare. Before marrying first wife, husband must get her permission to marry more wives in the future" (para 18).

Countries: Afghanistan
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Polygyny legal for up to four wives" (para 18)

Countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, D R Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Israel, Kazakhstan, Laos, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nepal, Rwanda
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Technically illegal, but still practiced" (para 18).

Countries: Brazil
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Technically illegal, but decriminalized. Marriage-like união estável ("stable union") ceremonies between three or more people have been performed" (para 18).

Countries: Burma/Myanmar
Variables: PW-LAW-1

"Myanmar outlawed polygyny in 2015" (para 5).