The 15 Least Racially Diverse Countries in the World

The World’s a Melting Pot, Right? Not Quite. While many countries celebrate and thrive on their ethnic and cultural diversity, some nations maintain a remarkable degree of homogeneity. These countries, where a single ethnic group overwhelmingly dominates, stand in stark contrast to more multicultural societies. Using the Ethnic Fractionalization Index (EFI) as a measure, we explore the 15 least racially diverse countries in the world.

Yemen (EFI: 0.040)

A rich history as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange has helped Yemen maintain its ethnic homogeneity. The country’s geographic isolation and strong Arab identity have preserved a predominantly Arab population, influencing language, cuisine, social customs, and religious practices.

South Korea (EFI: 0.062)

Centuries of geographical and cultural isolation have made South Korea a largely homogeneous society. Mountains and seas acted as natural barriers, allowing Korean culture to develop independently. Its solid national identity and Confucian values emphasizing social harmony have also played a crucial role.

Japan (EFI: 0.062)

This country’s ethnic homogeneity stems from its island geography and historical isolationist policies. The Sakoku (closed country) period limited foreign influence, allowing Japanese culture and societal values to evolve independently. Today, strict immigration policies and societal attitudes favoring cultural conformity maintain this ethnic makeup.

Egypt (EFI: 0.076)

The ethnic continuity along the Nile River, dating back to ancient civilizations, has fostered a robust Egyptian identity. A shared language and Islamic heritage contribute to Egypt’s ethnic homogeneity, which remains prominent today.

Portugal (EFI: 0.081)

The ethnic configuration of Portugal reflects its location on the Iberian Peninsula and its history as a maritime power. Despite influences from colonial ventures, the core Portuguese population remained largely intact, thanks to its isolated position and strong national identity forged during naval exploration.

Haiti (EFI: 0.081)

Its unique history as the first Caribbean country to gain independence from colonial rule shapes its ethnic composition. The Haitian Revolution left a population primarily descended from enslaved Africans, whose shared struggle for freedom and African cultural roots contributed to Haiti’s strong sense of ethnic identity.

Poland (EFI: 0.088)

Poland’s ethnic homogeneity results from its conflict with neighbors such as the Russians and Germans. This geographic position fostered a strong Polish national identity and cultural preservation. Additionally, the tragic experiences of World War II further solidified Poland’s ethnic character.

Czech Republic (EFI: 0.090)

A significant aspect of the Czech Republic’s ethnic composition is its central European location and legacy as part of former Czechoslovakia. Isolation from major migration routes and the dominance of the Czech ethnic group have maintained a predominantly Czech population.

Iceland (EFI: 0.127)

Historically, Iceland’s harsh climate and remote location limited immigration, leading to the development of an Icelandic culture distinct from any other in the world. This isolation and a strong identity rooted in dramatic landscapes and literary sagas have preserved Iceland’s ethnic homogeneity.

Hungary (EFI: 0.137)

Its position at the crossroads of civilizations in Central Europe influences its ethnic makeup. Despite various cultural influences, the Magyar ethnic group remains dominant due to a strong national identity, linguistic uniqueness, and geographic position surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.

Finland (EFI: 0.154)

Finland’s ethnic profile stems from the ancient Finno-Ugric tribes that settled in the isolated northern region long ago. The country’s harsh climate and low immigration allowed Finnish culture to develop independently from Europe, preserved by geographic seclusion that maintained Finland’s ethnic homogeneity over millennia.

Saudi Arabia (EFI: 0.156)

As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia’s population is overwhelmingly Arab. The influential role of the Arabic language and culture in the founding of the religion, along with geographic isolation, contributes to this homogeneity. Strict policies around religious conformity and Arab identity reinforce this ethnic makeup.

Lesotho (EFI: 0.168)

Lesotho’s unique geography as an enclaved, mountainous kingdom within South Africa shapes its ethnic composition. The isolation allowed the Basotho people to develop and preserve their cultural identity over centuries, undisturbed by external influences. The rugged terrain also contributed to low immigration levels.

North Korea (EFI: Unknown)

While detailed data on North Korea’s ethnic composition is limited, most evidence points to an ethnically homogeneous Korean population. Geography, politics, and the Juche ideology’s emphasis on ethnic nationalism and self-reliance have reinforced this insularity, with limited migration over decades.

Maldives (EFI: Unknown)

In the Maldives, ethnic homogeneity is heavily influenced by the island’s remote location in the Indian Ocean. Over centuries, a distinct Dhivehi culture developed independently with limited external influences. This isolation and the shared island living experience have preserved the country’s ethnic character.