Prostitution Legality by Country
Prostitution laws vary greatly across the world, with some countries legalizing it under certain regulations, while others prohibit it altogether. In some places, prostitution exists within a gray area where it’s only partially legal or subject to restrictions. This guide highlights the legal status of prostitution in various countries, detailing where it is legal, limited, or illegal.
Which countries have legalized prostitution?
In some countries, prostitution is fully legal and regulated, providing workers with certain rights and protections. These countries include:
Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, Eritrea, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Sierra Leone, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Which countries have partial or limited legality for prostitution?
In several countries, prostitution is partially legal or regulated under certain conditions, such as requiring licenses or operating within specific zones. These countries include:
Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, United Kingdom, Zambia.
Where is prostitution illegal?
Many countries have laws that prohibit prostitution altogether, often due to cultural, religious, or legal reasons. These countries include:
Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Gambia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
What influences prostitution laws across different countries?
The legal status of prostitution in any country is influenced by various factors, including cultural beliefs, religious teachings, economic conditions, and concerns about public health and safety. In some countries, laws have evolved over time in response to growing support for the rights of sex workers, while in others, the practice is still heavily criminalized due to moral, religious, or political reasons.
Why do some countries have restrictive prostitution laws?
Restrictive prostitution laws are often a result of moral and cultural objections, as well as concerns over exploitation, human trafficking, and public health. Some countries believe that prostitution undermines the dignity of individuals, while others argue that it can lead to negative social consequences. Additionally, some governments may be influenced by international pressure, religious organizations, or social movements advocating for stricter laws on prostitution.
