Leading types of households in Sub-Saharan Africa 2019
As of 2019, two-parent households were the most prevalent household formation in Sub-Saharan Africa. This family type made up 37 percent of households in the region. The second most common household type was extended families, accounting for 35 percent of the households.
Household patterns vary widely across Sub-Saharan Africa. On average, Sub-Saharan Africans live in the world's biggest households, with an average of 6.9 members per household. Muslims live in more expansive arrangements than Christians. Within the Sub-Saharan region, the nations with the largest households tend to be in West Africa and have majority Muslim populations. In contrast, the smallest households are found in countries with a Christian majority. However, there are also exceptions to these patterns, such as Muslims in Madagascar living in smaller households than Christians.
Household patterns vary widely across Sub-Saharan Africa. On average, Sub-Saharan Africans live in the world's biggest households, with an average of 6.9 members per household. Muslims live in more expansive arrangements than Christians. Within the Sub-Saharan region, the nations with the largest households tend to be in West Africa and have majority Muslim populations. In contrast, the smallest households are found in countries with a Christian majority. However, there are also exceptions to these patterns, such as Muslims in Madagascar living in smaller households than Christians.
