Circumcision in Different Cultures: A Global Overview (2026)
Circumcision in Different Cultures: A Global Overview (2026)
30% of all men worldwide are circumcised – that's over 1.2 billion people. Circumcision is one of the oldest surgical procedures in human history and is practiced for religious, cultural, and medical reasons.
In this guide, we provide a global overview of circumcision practices in different cultures and religions.
Global Circumcision Rates
| Region | Circumcision Rate | Main Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East | 90-100% | Religion (Islam, Judaism) |
| North Africa | 85-95% | Religion (Islam), Culture |
| USA | 71% (2010) | Medical, Culture |
| South Korea | 75-80% | Culture, Hygiene |
| Europe | 5-20% | Religion, Medical |
| South America | 5-15% | Medical |
| East Asia (China, Japan) | 1-5% | Medical |
Source: Morris BJ, et al. (2016). Estimation of country-specific and global prevalence of male circumcision. Population Health Metrics, 14, 4.
Religious Circumcision
1. Islam
Circumcision Rate: 90-100% of all Muslim men
Timing: Mostly between 0-13 years (varies by region)
Religious Significance:
- Sunnah (Tradition of Prophet Muhammad)
- Sign of purity and belonging to the community
- Hygienic reasons (in hot climates)
Regional Differences:
- Turkey: Mostly between 7-12 years (big celebration: Sünnet Töreni)
- Arab Countries: Often in infancy
- Indonesia: Between 6-12 years
2. Judaism
Circumcision Rate: 95-100% of all Jewish men
Timing: 8th day of life (Brit Milah)
Religious Significance:
- Covenant with God (Genesis 17:10-14)
- Identity-forming (sign of belonging to the Jewish people)
- Religious obligation (one of the most important commandments)
Ceremony:
- Performed by a Mohel (specially trained circumciser)
- Religious celebration with family and friends
- Baby receives its Hebrew name
3. Christianity
Circumcision Rate: 5-70% (highly regionally variable)
Religious Significance:
- Not religiously mandated (New Testament abolishes the obligation of circumcision)
- In some regions, a cultural tradition (e.g., USA, Philippines)
Regional Differences:
- USA: 71% (historically medically justified, now cultural)
- Europe: 5-15% (mostly only for medical reasons)
- Philippines: 90% (cultural tradition, not religious)
Cultural Circumcision
1. South Korea
Circumcision Rate: 75-80%
Special Feature: South Korea has the highest circumcision rate outside Muslim and Jewish countries – without religious reasons.
Timing: Mostly between 10-14 years
Reasons:
- Hygiene (main reason)
- Social pressure (peer pressure in schools)
- Aesthetics (circumcised is considered "more modern")
- Military service (circumcision common before conscription)
Development: The circumcision rate in South Korea rose from 0% (1945) to 80% (2010) – a unique phenomenon.
2. Philippines
Circumcision Rate: 90-95%
Timing: Mostly between 10-14 years
Cultural Significance:
- Rite of passage (from boy to man)
- Social pressure (uncircumcised boys are teased: "supot")
- No religious obligation (despite Catholic majority)
Ceremony: Often in groups during summer holidays ("Tuli season")
3. Australia
Circumcision Rate: 10-20% (significantly decreased from 90% in the 1950s)
Development:
- 1950s: 90% (medically recommended)
- 1970s: 50% (medical recommendation withdrawn)
- 2020s: 10-20% (mostly for religious reasons)
Medical Circumcision
Indications:
- Phimosis (foreskin narrowing) – 1-2% of all men
- Recurrent Balanitis (inflammation of the glans)
- Paraphimosis (trapped foreskin)
- HIV Prevention (recommended in Africa)
HIV Prevention in Africa:
Since 2007, the WHO recommends voluntary medical male circumcision in 14 African countries with high HIV rates.
Reason: Studies showed that circumcision reduces the HIV risk by 60%.
Source: Auvert B, et al. (2005). Randomized, controlled intervention trial of male circumcision for reduction of HIV infection risk. PLoS Medicine, 2(11), e298.
Alternative: Apollon Fold
For men who want the benefits of circumcision (longer stamina, less smegma, better hygiene) without the disadvantages (pain, cost, irreversibility):
Apollon Fold is the painless, reversible alternative.
Comparison:
| Aspect | Circumcision | Apollon Fold |
|---|---|---|
| Reversibility | ❌ Irreversible | ✅ Reversible at any time |
| Pain | Severe (2-4 weeks) | None |
| Cost | €500-2,000 | €19.99 |
| Keratinization | ✅ Yes (permanent) | ✅ Yes (reversible) |
| Stamina | ✅ +3-5x longer | ✅ +3-5x longer |
Summary
Circumcision is a global practice with various reasons:
- Religion: Islam (90-100%), Judaism (95-100%)
- Culture: South Korea (75-80%), Philippines (90-95%)
- Medicine: USA (71%), Africa (HIV prevention)
Apollon Fold offers a reversible alternative for men who want the benefits of circumcision without the disadvantages.
Ready for a reversible alternative?
Apollon Fold is the painless, reversible alternative to circumcision. Learn the technique in our detailed guide with a video tutorial.
References
- Morris BJ, et al. (2016). Estimation of country-specific and global prevalence of male circumcision. Population Health Metrics, 14, 4.
- Auvert B, et al. (2005). Randomized, controlled intervention trial of male circumcision for reduction of HIV infection risk. PLoS Medicine, 2(11), e298.
- WHO/UNAIDS (2007). New Data on Male Circumcision and HIV Prevention: Policy and Programme Implications.