Lifestyle and Preventive Health
Beard Genetics by Country 2025
Most Beards Ranking
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5 Countries with the Most Beards
Country | Most Beards Ranking↑ | Least Beards Ranking | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | India | 1st | |
 | Bangladesh | 2nd | |
 | Pakistan | 3rd | |
 | Afghanistan | 4th | |
 | Saudi Arabia | 5th | |
 | Sri Lanka | 6th | |
 | Nepal | 7th | |
 | Israel | 8th | |
 | United States | 9th | |
 | China | 1st | |
 | Indonesia | 10th | |
 | Japan | 5th | |
 | Vietnam | 9th | |
 | Thailand | 6th | |
 | South Korea | 8th | |
 | North Korea | 7th | |
 | Taiwan | 4th | |
 | Hong Kong | 2nd | |
 | Macau | 3rd |
- Traditionally, certain ethnicities have been known for growing thick beards, including those in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and South Asia. Other ethnicities, such as East Asians and Hispanics, are less likely to have thick, full beards.
- Genetics, ethinicity, hormones, and mostly ancestry will determine one’s ability to grow facial hair; below are examples of countries whose males have the highest and lowest genetic likelihood of having thick beards.
- Data are largely compiled from surveys rather than rigorous scientific studies and should not be considered hard science.
- Beard genetics, which determine how full a man’s beard would be if allowed to grow, are only one factor influencing whether a given man will grow a beard. Additional factors include religious guidelines (particularly among Muslims and Jews), cultural preferences, and fashion trends.
Have you ever heard of the name Hans Nilson Langseth? If you have, then you also probably know because he holds the record for the longest beard recorded in history (17.5 feet, for those of you wondering). Mr. Langseth also was of Norwegian descent, and yes, that matters.
So, does that mean that if you are from Norway or have a Norwegian heritage you too can grow a huge beard? Well, sort of. While beard genetics by country have less to do with the country of origin and more the genetic makeup of its people, the two are intimately linked.
Genetics, Countries, and Beards Oh My!
Is it more appropriate to say that a country has better genetics for beards or that a race of people have better genetics for beards? The truth is hair growth is distinctly related to genetics, and relatively related to region.
In other words, if a particular ethnicity of people not prone to beard growth moved to a country where beard growth was prominent, it would not have an immediate impact those non-beard growing people. Now, fast-forward two millennia later and with the genetic trading, climate adaptations, and other factors, beards may very well become more prominent for those once non-beard growing folks.
The “Root” of the Question
There is much debate surrounding the history and reasons for everything from hair growth to hair loss. What we do know is that much of what happens regarding hair is a genetically linked. Today, as people from around the globe have relocated, and as people have blended ethnicities and traits, genetics play more of a role than ever before.
Yes, where you live does have an impact on beard growth, genetically speaking. Beard genetics by country are still a good indicator of how well someone might be able to grow a beard, but a better indicator will always be genetics. When it is all said and done, it is a root issue. That includes roots such as hair follicles, and roots as in our heritage.
Do you have a Grizzly Adams cousin, uncle or grandfather in your family, or perhaps more than a few? Then the chances are good that you will have those same beard-growing traits too regardless of where you live. That is also why the real truth about beard genetics is more of a root issue than a location issue.
