Cultural diversity is a fundamental attribute that represents the heart and soul of nations across the world. It paints a panoramic pictorial of languages, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and unique traditions that create a rich tapestry of life worldwide. This article showcases the countries globally displaying the greatest cultural diversity according to the Cultural Diversity Index (CDI), a metric that allows us to objectively measure and compare cultural diversity across different nations. The world map of cultural diversity is particularly dominated by African nations, home to an array of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. Surprisingly, the United States, generally known for its 'melting pot' culture, falls behind in ranking. Key findings from the data include:
Among the countries globally, Chad is crowned the champion of diversity, flaunting an impressive Cultural Diversity Index (CDI) of 0.851. With hundreds of ethnic groups and a plethora of languages flowing through Chad's borders, this African nation encompasses a colorful spectrum of cultural variety. Cameroon closely trails behind, securing the second position with a CDI score of 0.843. As a melting pot of African, French, and indigenous influences, Cameroon offers a striking blend of languages and cultures, echoing the vibrant ethos of diversity. Nigeria nudges its way into the third position, presenting a robust CDI score of 0.831. Home to over 250 ethnic groups and even more languages, Nigeria stands as a symbol of the tremendous cultural richness embedded within the African continent. In fourth place, Togo embodies diversity with a CDI score of 0.812. Its diverse ethnolinguistic groups and multicultural social fabric make it a fascinating epitome of cultural amalgamation. DR Congo takes the fifth position with a CDI score of 0.811, a tangible testament to its profound cultural multiplicity. The numerous ethnic groups and languages that inhabit this African country paint a picturesque mosaic of cultural diversity. Kenya, Guinea Bissau, Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, and Liberia fill up the rest of the top ten. These countries, with CDI scores ranging between 0.769 to 0.809, are proud bearers of a myriad of languages and ethnicities, demonstrating the extraordinary tapestry of cultures that make up our world.
10 Most Diverse Countries:
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.648
#31
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.209
#116
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.318
#96
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.602
#38
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.672
#23
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.094
#145
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.120
#138
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.093
#147
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.099
#143
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.203
#118
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.264
#108
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.458
#72
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.018
#176
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.088
#149
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.197
#121
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.537
#52
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.644
#33
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.685
#21
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.575
#45
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.667
#27
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.120
#137
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.367
#86
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.012
#177
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.501
#60
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.353
#90
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.650
#29
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.051
#167
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.205
#117
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.843
#2
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.692
#19
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.741
#12
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.851
#1
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.186
#122
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.138
#134
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.077
#154
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.058
#162
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.210
#115
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.020
#175
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.093
#146
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.059
#161
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.811
#5
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.142
#133
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.524
#54
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.072
#155
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.480
#67
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.179
#124
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.178
#125
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.325
#94
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.546
#50
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.484
#65
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.058
#166
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.507
#59
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.546
#49
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.112
#139
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.380
#84
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.738
#13
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.767
#11
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.482
#66
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.163
#128
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.650
#30
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.177
#126
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.067
#158
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.511
#58
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.718
#16
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.786
#7
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.520
#55
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.125
#136
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.062
#159
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.149
#130
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.068
#157
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.637
#36
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.647
#32
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.575
#46
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.363
#88
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.087
#150
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.283
#103
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.082
#152
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.772
#9
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.221
#113
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.012
#178
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.456
#74
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.598
#39
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.809
#6
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.049
#168
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.531
#53
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.375
#85
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.449
#75
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.517
#56
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.126
#135
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.201
#120
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.769
#10
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.347
#91
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.328
#93
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.290
#102
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.478
#69
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.294
#100
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.586
#42
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.588
#41
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.672
#24
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.029
#174
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.060
#160
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.584
#43
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.435
#77
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.542
#51
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.639
#35
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.514
#57
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.310
#97
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.445
#76
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.658
#28
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.489
#63
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.550
#48
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.572
#47
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.105
#142
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.393
#82
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.094
#144
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.641
#34
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.831
#3
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.039
#172
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.467
#70
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.058
#165
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.410
#79
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.682
#22
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.430
#78
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.218
#114
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.272
#107
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.149
#131
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.577
#44
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.589
#40
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.151
#129
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.045
#169
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.687
#20
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.776
#8
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.298
#99
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.235
#110
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.058
#164
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.071
#156
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.079
#153
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.008
#179
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.281
#105
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.180
#123
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.671
#25
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.457
#73
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.201
#119
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.463
#71
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.386
#83
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.231
#112
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.146
#132
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.111
#140
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.109
#141
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.729
#15
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.002
#180
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.282
#104
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.407
#80
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.696
#18
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.711
#17
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.058
#163
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.496
#61
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.401
#81
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.249
#109
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.489
#64
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.735
#14
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.496
#62
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.812
#4
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.087
#151
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.478
#68
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.039
#173
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.310
#98
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.293
#101
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.163
#127
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.363
#87
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.335
#92
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.625
#37
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.090
#148
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.278
#106
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.356
#89
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.041
#170
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.039
#171
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.235
#111
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.668
#26
Metric
Value
Rank
Cultural Diversity Index
0.319
#95
Region ↕ | Cultural Diversity Index ↕ |
---|---|
Afghanistan | 0.648 |
Albania | 0.209 |
Algeria | 0.318 |
Andorra | 0.602 |
Angola | 0.672 |
Antigua and Barbuda | 0.094 |
Armenia | 0.120 |
Australia | 0.093 |
Austria | 0.099 |
Azerbaijan | 0.203 |
Bahamas | 0.264 |
Bahrain | 0.458 |
Bangladesh | 0.018 |
Barbados | 0.088 |
Belarus | 0.197 |
Belgium | 0.537 |
Belize | 0.644 |
Benin | 0.685 |
Bhutan | 0.575 |
Bolivia | 0.667 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0.120 |
Botswana | 0.367 |
Brazil | 0.012 |
Brunei | 0.501 |
Bulgaria | 0.353 |
Burkina Faso | 0.650 |
Burundi | 0.051 |
Cambodia | 0.205 |
Cameroon | 0.843 |
Canada | 0.692 |
Central African Republic | 0.741 |
Chad | 0.851 |
Chile | 0.186 |
China | 0.138 |
Colombia | 0.077 |
Costa Rica | 0.058 |
Croatia | 0.210 |
Cuba | 0.020 |
Cyprus | 0.093 |
Czech Republic | 0.059 |
DR Congo | 0.811 |
Denmark | 0.142 |
Djibouti | 0.524 |
Dominica | 0.072 |
Ecuador | 0.480 |
Egypt | 0.179 |
El Salvador | 0.178 |
Equatorial Guinea | 0.325 |
Eritrea | 0.546 |
Estonia | 0.484 |
Eswatini | 0.058 |
Ethiopia | 0.507 |
Fiji | 0.546 |
Finland | 0.112 |
France | 0.380 |
Gabon | 0.738 |
Gambia | 0.767 |
Georgia | 0.482 |
Germany | 0.163 |
Ghana | 0.650 |
Greece | 0.177 |
Grenada | 0.067 |
Guatemala | 0.511 |
Guinea | 0.718 |
Guinea Bissau | 0.786 |
Guyana | 0.520 |
Honduras | 0.125 |
Hong Kong | 0.062 |
Hungary | 0.149 |
Iceland | 0.068 |
India | 0.637 |
Indonesia | 0.647 |
Iran | 0.575 |
Iraq | 0.363 |
Ireland | 0.087 |
Israel | 0.283 |
Italy | 0.082 |
Ivory Coast | 0.772 |
Jamaica | 0.221 |
Japan | 0.012 |
Jordan | 0.456 |
Kazakhstan | 0.598 |
Kenya | 0.809 |
Kiribati | 0.049 |
Kuwait | 0.531 |
Kyrgyzstan | 0.375 |
Laos | 0.449 |
Latvia | 0.517 |
Lebanon | 0.126 |
Lesotho | 0.201 |
Liberia | 0.769 |
Libya | 0.347 |
Liechtenstein | 0.328 |
Lithuania | 0.290 |
Luxembourg | 0.478 |
Madagascar | 0.294 |
Malawi | 0.586 |
Malaysia | 0.588 |
Mali | 0.672 |
Malta | 0.029 |
Marshall Islands | 0.060 |
Mauritania | 0.584 |
Mauritius | 0.435 |
Mexico | 0.542 |
Micronesia | 0.639 |
Moldova | 0.514 |
Mongolia | 0.310 |
Morocco | 0.445 |
Mozambique | 0.658 |
Myanmar | 0.489 |
Namibia | 0.550 |
Nepal | 0.572 |
Netherlands | 0.105 |
New Zealand | 0.393 |
Nicaragua | 0.094 |
Niger | 0.641 |
Nigeria | 0.831 |
North Korea | 0.039 |
North Macedonia | 0.467 |
Norway | 0.058 |
Oman | 0.410 |
Pakistan | 0.682 |
Palau | 0.430 |
Panama | 0.218 |
Papua New Guinea | 0.272 |
Paraguay | 0.149 |
Peru | 0.577 |
Philippines | 0.589 |
Poland | 0.151 |
Portugal | 0.045 |
Qatar | 0.687 |
Republic of the Congo | 0.776 |
Romania | 0.298 |
Russia | 0.235 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 0.058 |
Saint Lucia | 0.071 |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 0.079 |
Samoa | 0.008 |
San Marino | 0.281 |
Saudi Arabia | 0.180 |
Senegal | 0.671 |
Serbia | 0.457 |
Seychelles | 0.201 |
Sierra Leone | 0.463 |
Singapore | 0.386 |
Slovakia | 0.231 |
Slovenia | 0.146 |
Solomon Islands | 0.111 |
Somalia | 0.109 |
South Africa | 0.729 |
South Korea | 0.002 |
Spain | 0.282 |
Sri Lanka | 0.407 |
Sudan | 0.696 |
Suriname | 0.711 |
Sweden | 0.058 |
Switzerland | 0.496 |
Syria | 0.401 |
Taiwan | 0.249 |
Tajikistan | 0.489 |
Tanzania | 0.735 |
Thailand | 0.496 |
Togo | 0.812 |
Tonga | 0.087 |
Trinidad and Tobago | 0.478 |
Tunisia | 0.039 |
Turkey | 0.310 |
Turkmenistan | 0.293 |
Tuvalu | 0.163 |
Uganda | 0.363 |
Ukraine | 0.335 |
United Arab Emirates | 0.625 |
United Kingdom | 0.090 |
United States | 0.278 |
Uzbekistan | 0.356 |
Vanuatu | 0.041 |
Venezuela | 0.039 |
Vietnam | 0.235 |
Zambia | 0.668 |
Zimbabwe | 0.319 |