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Equal inheritance between sons and daughters

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on one point: whether it gives sons and daughters the same rights to inherit from their parents, requires equal shares, or makes no distinction between boys and girls. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes the written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“Equal rights” means that the law does not distinguish between sons and daughters for inheritance.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Equal inheritance between sons and daughters: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Equal rights for sons and daughters : 146 ; Rights not equal : 40.

Why this indicator matters

Inheritance is a major way of passing on wealth. Knowing whether the law treats sons and daughters alike helps to understand women's access to property, housing and economic security.

What makes this indicator vary

Inheritance rules come from civil law, religious law or customs, depending on the country's history. They change through legislative reforms, often slowly, because they touch on family and tradition.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes written laws in force on a given date, not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs. In some cases, local practices or a will can lead to a different division.

Equal inheritance between sons and daughters

Equal rights for sons and daughters (146)

Rights not equal (40)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Equal inheritance between sons and daughters" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What do equal inheritance rights mean?

It means that the law makes no difference between sons and daughters: they can inherit from their parents under the same conditions and in the same shares.

Does the law always tell what happens in practice?

Not always. The indicator looks at written texts. Customs, family pressure or lack of information can lead to a different division from the one the law provides.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights