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International Desk, New Delhi. In this era of modernity, where divorce laws are being simplified all over the world, even in the year 2026, there are two countries on the world map where the word ‘divorce’ has no legal existence. In these countries, the bond of marriage is considered so unbreakable that once you say ‘I Do’, the way of retreat is closed forever. Despite mutual differences, the citizens here are forced to live with each other throughout their lives.
Philippines: The word ‘divorce’ is not in the law books
The Philippines is the only major nation in the world where divorce is completely banned. The majority of the population of this country is Catholic and the beliefs of the ‘Catholic Church’ have a deep influence on the constitution here. The Church clearly believes that marriage is a sacred sacrament that only death can separate.
If not divorce, what is the alternative?
In the Philippines, people resort to ‘Marriage Annulment’ as an alternative to divorce. But this process is no less than an ordeal. It is so complex, expensive and lengthy that it is almost impossible for a common man to achieve it. In this, the husband and wife have to prove that there was some technical or mental deficiency at the time of marriage, due to which the marriage was never valid.
Vatican City: Even the law bows before divine providence
The world’s smallest country, Vatican City, which is the center of Roman Catholicism, the entire governance system there is based on religious rules (Canon Law). Here marriage is not considered a contract between humans, but a promise made before God.
Why is there a restriction here?
In Vatican City, religious law prevails over civil law. According to the rules here, what God has joined together, man cannot separate. This is the reason why there is no court or legal door for divorce in this country.
Malta changed its history
The surprising thing is that till the year 2011, the beautiful country of Europe ‘Malta’ was also a part of this list. There was also a strict ban on divorce. But after increasing social pressure, a historic referendum took place in 2011. Following strong public demand, Malta broke its age-old tradition and legalized divorce.
Clash of religious beliefs and modernity
Even today, these two countries are firm on their religious and cultural beliefs. While on one hand the world talks about individual freedom, on the other hand in these countries marriage is still considered a bond of life after life. People here either spend their entire lives in compromise or fight exhausting legal battles like ‘annulment’.
