For much of human history, cousin marriage was a widely accepted and even encouraged practice across many cultures. It served practical purposes. Politically, it helped forge alliances between powerful families, economically, it preserved wealth and inheritance within a trusted circle, and socially, marrying a cousin often meant a deeper understanding and compatibility. From European royal families to rural communities, cousin marriage was seen as both strategic and stable.
However, as medical science and genetics advanced, concerns over potential health risks for offspring brought the practice under scrutiny. Today, many modern societies have banned or discouraged cousin marriage, though it continues in some parts of the world due to tradition, religion, or local norms.
This gallery explores the countries where cousin marriage still exists, revealing the complex cultural and historical reasons behind its persistence. Want to know where it is common? Click on to find out!