Distribution and Statistics
Global Prevalence
This practice is a global phenomenon: According to estimates, more than 230 million women and girls worldwide are affected by FGM/C, and more than 4 million girls are at risk of undergoing the procedure each year. Due to migration, FGM/C now also affects many countries in Europe, including Germany. According to current estimates, thousands of women and girls living here have already been affected or are at risk of being affected.
Regions with High Prevalence
FGM/C is particularly prevalent in:
Africa
Countries with particularly high prevalence rates:
Somalia: 97.9%
Guinea: 94.5%
Egypt: 87.2%
Sudan: 86.6%
Sierra Leone: 86.1%
Eritrea: 83%
Burkina Faso: 75.8%
The Gambia: 75.7%
Parts of Asia
Indonesia: 49.2%
Iraq: 7.4%
Yemen: 18.5%
Other countries in South and Southeast Asia also practice forms of FGM/C.
These figures show that FGM/C is deeply rooted in the culture and socially accepted in several regions of the world.
FGM/C in Europe and Germany
Europe
The estimated population of the European Union is:
more than 600,000 affected women and girls
about 190,000 girls at risk
FGM/C has now been documented in at least 92 countries worldwide—including many European nations due to migration.
Germany
According to estimates of unreported cases (2024), there are:
over 97,100 affected women and girls
up to 25,000 girls at risk
Legal and Social Context
Since 2013, FGM/C has been a separate criminal offense in Germany (Section 226a of the German Criminal Code) punishable by up to 15 years in prison. FGM/C performed abroad is also a criminal offense if the victim has her habitual residence in Germany. FGM/C is considered a threat to a child’s well-being—child welfare agencies must take action if they suspect it is occurring. The Istanbul Convention obligates Germany to recognize FGM/C as a form of violence and to provide protection to those affected.
FGM/C is becoming increasingly visible in society as professionals, schools, counseling centers, and organizations step up their efforts to raise awareness and provide education.
