Maldives 10.97

Two key factors: Divorce carries little social stigma in this Indian Ocean nation, and local interpretation of Muslim law allows husbands to terminate marriage by verbal declaration and without going to court.

Russia 5.30

"Early marriages, which are just attempts to legitimize sexual relations between emotionally immature and socially and economically dependent young people," one researcher tells Russia's St. Petersburg Times, "are prone to quick breakups."

Aruba 5.27

This autonomous territory of the Netherlands has the Western Hemisphere's highest divorce rate but ironically still markets itself as a marriage destination: "Couples can have both their wedding ceremony and honeymoon in a Caribbean paradise."

Isle of Man 5.21

Ever since Henry VIII split from Catherine of Aragon in 1533, Great Britain has played an important role in divorce history. Today, the split rate in the British territory Isle of Man is Western Europe's highest.

Ukraine 3.79

Because many newlyweds live with their spouse's parents, mother-in-law jokes are popular in the Ukraine. But as in other Eastern European countries, post-Soviet economic pressures are dampening marital happiness.

Puerto Rico 3.78

Though discouraged by Catholicism, the predominant religion in Puerto Rico, divorce rates are increasing while this U.S. commonwealth strengthens its cultural and economic ties with the more secular United States.

Belarus 3.77

After splitting in 1991 from longtime partner the USSR, Belarus has suffered internal breakups, as marriages battle economic hardship and high unemployment, both factors that increase the risk of divorce.

U.S.A. 3.70

After climbing for 60 years along with the marriage rate, the U.S. divorce rate peaked in 1981 at 5.3 per 1,000 population. Broken marriages are more common in the South and among the nonreligious, poor, and young.

Moldova 3.50

Mature love is more likely to be lasting love, statisticians say. Which bodes poorly for the majority of marrying Moldovans who are under 24. Not to mention the financial pressures of a struggling former Soviet economy.

Cuba 3.16

Socialist work assignments force spouses to live apart; housing shortages crowd extended families into puny apartments; and notary publics provide 20-minute, $4 divorces. No wonder even Fidel Castro is a divorcé.