What is the most common age of consent worldwide?

The most common age of consent is 16, used in many countries including the UK, Canada, and most Australian states.

What is the lowest age of consent?

Some countries have ages of consent as low as 12-13, though these are often accompanied by additional legal conditions.

What is the highest age of consent?

Several countries and US states set the age of consent at 18.

Global Average Age of Consent

Last updated: January 24, 2026

16 years

years

The global average age of consent is approximately 16 years. Most countries set it between 14 and 18, with the most common age being 16. Some countries have no single age of consent and instead tie it to marriage or other conditions.

Why This Average Exists

The age of consent reflects a society's balance between protecting minors and recognizing adolescent autonomy. It varies widely based on cultural, religious, and legal traditions.

Factors That Affect Global Average Age of Consent

Cultural traditions
Religious influence
Legal system type
Child protection movements
International conventions
Colonial legal legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology & Data Sources

The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2023–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.