The divorce rate refers to the proportion of divorced couples in a given region during the year relative to the annual average population of that region, expressed per thousand. On this website, the divorce rate refers to the annual divorce rate.

The formula is:

Divorce Rate = Number of Divorces During the Year / Annual Average Population × 1000‰

The annual average population refers to the average of the population at the beginning and end of the year. In some cases, the mid-year population may also be used as a substitute.

Divorce rates can shift over time alongside broader social, legal, and demographic changes. Comparing regional trends helps show where divorce patterns have risen, declined, or diverged from the national average.