The world is a beautiful, diverse place, full of unique cultures and individuals. One thing that truly sets people apart is their eye color. Most researchers believe that blue-eyed individuals may be more dominant among certain populations and less present in others. Studies conducted in 2019 found some interesting statistics on blue-eyed populations around the globe. Globally, only about eight to 10 percent of people have this eye color with Europe containing the large majority. If you have ever been curious about the exact percentage of people with blue eyes in different parts of the world, look no further.
Below is a list of the top six countries with the most blue-eyed people.
Where Do Blue Eyes Come From?If you have ever been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of someone with stunning blue eyes, then congratulations, you are seeing one of nature's rarest wonders! Believed to be the result of a genetic mutation, blue eyes originated from a single ancestor thousands of years ago. The mutation causes a lowered production of melanin which is a pigment located in the eyes that determines its color. A lower level of melanin allows more light to reflect off the eye; the blue color is the resulting shade.
Originally, all human eyes were brown. However, approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, the blue-eyed gene mutation spread. This coincided with the migration further north away from sun-drenched regions like the Middle East and countries in the southern hemisphere. Some speculate that this change in environment was a contributing factor. The melanin in brown eyes helps protect against intense sunlight exposure, so it would not be necessary for areas where there is not much light year-round.
Estonia – 89%An estimated 89 percent of Estonians have blue eyes. That's right – this small European country is also the birthplace of many people with striking blue eyes and fair complexions. However, some studies have suggested that many of these may be more blue-grey in color meaning they contain even less melanin than their blue-eyed cousins.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Ireland, Scotland, northern England, Iceland, Faroe Islands and Norway
Verified answer
Countries With The Most Blue-Eyed People
The world is a beautiful, diverse place, full of unique cultures and individuals. One thing that truly sets people apart is their eye color. Most researchers believe that blue-eyed individuals may be more dominant among certain populations and less present in others. Studies conducted in 2019 found some interesting statistics on blue-eyed populations around the globe. Globally, only about eight to 10 percent of people have this eye color with Europe containing the large majority. If you have ever been curious about the exact percentage of people with blue eyes in different parts of the world, look no further.
Below is a list of the top six countries with the most blue-eyed people.
Where Do Blue Eyes Come From?If you have ever been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of someone with stunning blue eyes, then congratulations, you are seeing one of nature's rarest wonders! Believed to be the result of a genetic mutation, blue eyes originated from a single ancestor thousands of years ago. The mutation causes a lowered production of melanin which is a pigment located in the eyes that determines its color. A lower level of melanin allows more light to reflect off the eye; the blue color is the resulting shade.
Originally, all human eyes were brown. However, approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, the blue-eyed gene mutation spread. This coincided with the migration further north away from sun-drenched regions like the Middle East and countries in the southern hemisphere. Some speculate that this change in environment was a contributing factor. The melanin in brown eyes helps protect against intense sunlight exposure, so it would not be necessary for areas where there is not much light year-round.
Estonia – 89%An estimated 89 percent of Estonians have blue eyes. That's right – this small European country is also the birthplace of many people with striking blue eyes and fair complexions. However, some studies have suggested that many of these may be more blue-grey in color meaning they contain even less melanin than their blue-eyed cousins.