Most Conservative Countries

Last updated September 18, 2024

Conservative Ranking
Top
Last
Conservative RankingQuestion Mark
1.YemenYemen
2.MaliMali
3.IranIran
4.PakistanPakistan
5.ChadChad
6.EgyptEgypt
7.Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia
8.LebanonLebanon
9.EswatiniEswatini
10.EthiopiaEthiopia
11.NepalNepal
12.AngolaAngola
13.BangladeshBangladesh
14.KuwaitKuwait
15.LiberiaLiberia
16.JordanJordan
17.CambodiaCambodia
18.Burkina FasoBurkina Faso
19.TurkeyTurkey
20.MoroccoMorocco
21.IndiaIndia
22.NigeriaNigeria
23.BeninBenin
24.AlgeriaAlgeria
25.Sri LankaSri Lanka

Introduction

Throughout the world, the political landscape varies significantly with a wide spectrum of governing philosophies. Among these are countries that align strongly with conservative ideals, characterized by a preference for maintaining tradition, resisting rapid change, and a generally high degree of religious observance. But what nations are the most conservative on a global scale? Employing a 'Conservative Ranking' that weighs factors such as national policies, societal norms, and religious adherence, we have compiled a list of nations that lead in conservative social and political behaviors.

  • Middle East and North African region prominently feature in the topmost conservative nations. Yemen tops the chart followed by Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. This prominence could be linked to these countries' strong Islamic influence, which often promotes traditional, conservative values.
  • African countries such as Mali, Chad, Angola, Eswatini, and Ethiopia fall into the top 10 conservative nations as well. Social conservatism is deeply ingrained within these nations, often due to religious beliefs and long-standing cultural norms.
  • South Asia, with countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, also showcases a strong conservative trend, much of which could be influenced by religious beliefs and cultural practices that advocate for traditional values.
  • There is a clear absence of Western countries in the top 25 most conservative nations. This possibly reflects the more progressive societal norms and policies in these regions.

Top 10 Most Conservative Countries

At the very top of the list, we have Yemen, a nation characterized by deeply rooted Islamic traditions, ranked as the most conservative country. Coming in second is the country of Mali. Mali's conservative values are largely influenced by its cultural norms, religious traditions, and populace's projection of a desire for minimal change. Next, we have Iran, ranked as the third most conservative country. Iran's conservative values are tightly wound with its stringent adherence to Islamic law and traditions, resulting in an often rigid societal structure and a prevalent resistance to drastic reforms. Pakistan holds the fourth position in this conservative hierarchy. Ranked fifth is Chad, where allegiance to cultural traditions and religious faith deeply informs the general public's conservative stance. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are sixth and seventh, and their respective conservative rankings are also heavily influenced by strong religious ideals, particularly within the realm of Islamic law or Sharia. The eighth most conservative country is Lebanon. The kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is the ninth on the list. As one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies, this nation's traditional customs and practices play an influential role in its conservative positioning. Rounding out the top ten is Ethiopia, where conservatism is informed by a mix of religious, cultural, and historical factors which uphold traditional societal norms. 10 Most conservative countries are:

  1. Yemen
  2. Mali
  3. Iran
  4. Pakistan
  5. Chad
  6. Egypt
  7. Saudi Arabia
  8. Lebanon
  9. Eswatini
  10. Ethiopia

By Region

Algeria

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Ranked in World

#24

Angola

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Ranked in World

#12

Bangladesh

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Ranked in World

#13

Benin

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Ranked in World

#23

Burkina Faso

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Ranked in World

#18

Cambodia

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Ranked in World

#17

Chad

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Ranked in World

#5

Egypt

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Ranked in World

#6

Eswatini

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Ranked in World

#9

Ethiopia

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Ranked in World

#10

India

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Ranked in World

#21

Iran

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Ranked in World

#3

Jordan

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Ranked in World

#16

Kuwait

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Ranked in World

#14

Lebanon

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Ranked in World

#8

Liberia

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Ranked in World

#15

Mali

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Ranked in World

#2

Morocco

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Ranked in World

#20

Nepal

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Ranked in World

#11

Nigeria

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Ranked in World

#22

Pakistan

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Ranked in World

#4

Saudi Arabia

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Ranked in World

#7

Sri Lanka

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Ranked in World

#25

Turkey

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Ranked in World

#19

Yemen

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Ranked in World

#1

Table

Region ↕Conservative Ranking↕
Algeria iconAlgeria24
Angola iconAngola12
Bangladesh iconBangladesh13
Benin iconBenin23
Burkina Faso iconBurkina Faso18
Cambodia iconCambodia17
Chad iconChad5
Egypt iconEgypt6
Eswatini iconEswatini9
Ethiopia iconEthiopia10
India iconIndia21
Iran iconIran3
Jordan iconJordan16
Kuwait iconKuwait14
Lebanon iconLebanon8
Liberia iconLiberia15
Mali iconMali2
Morocco iconMorocco20
Nepal iconNepal11
Nigeria iconNigeria22
Pakistan iconPakistan4
Saudi Arabia iconSaudi Arabia7
Sri Lanka iconSri Lanka25
Turkey iconTurkey19
Yemen iconYemen1
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Additional Political Datasets

Most Conservative States

Most Conservative States

Most Liberal Countries

Most Liberal Countries

Most Liberal States

Most Liberal States

Most Libertarian States

Most Libertarian States

Number Of Registered Voters By State

Number Of Registered Voters By State

Red and Blue States

Red and Blue States