The Only Country that Blood Relatives are Allowed to Marry each other.

In Senegal, there's a unique marriage practice where people often marry their blood relatives, particularly their cousins. This type of marriage is called endogamous marriage.

Endogamous marriages happen when two people who are related by blood, like cousins, get married. In Senegal, most endogamous marriages are between paternal (father’s side) and maternal (mother’s side) cousins.

A survey from 1986 showed that about 70% of married women in Senegal are related to their husbands. This tradition has been around for a long time and hasn’t changed much since the 1970s. However, it varies among different ethnic groups.

Wolof, Pulaar, and Serer: These groups have the highest rates of endogamous marriages, with 65% to 80% of marriages being between relatives. The Wolof and Pulaar prefer paternal cousins, while the Serer prefer maternal cousins.

Manding and Diola: These groups have lower rates of endogamous marriages, ranging from 50% to 60%.

Why Do People Marry Relatives?

1. Strengthen Family Bonds: Marrying within the family keeps the family close and united.
2. Preserve Wealth: Keeping wealth within the family helps maintain financial stability.
3. Continue Traditions: These marriages help preserve cultural traditions and pass them down through generations.

As Senegalese society modernizes, younger people are being influenced by education and global cultures. This is slowly changing how they view marrying close relatives. There are also discussions about the health risks and social implications of such marriages.

Endogamous marriages are a significant part of Senegalese culture, highlighting the importance of family ties and traditions. While these practices are still common, they may change as new generations balance tradition with modern views on marriage.

Understanding these practices helps us appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Senegal. Whether these traditions continue or evolve, they remain an essential part of the country's identity.

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