Only about 2% of the world's population possesses true green eyes, making it a relatively rare eye color.
Prevalence of Green Eyes
While globally uncommon, green eyes are more frequently found in certain populations:
- European Descent: Individuals of European heritage are more likely to have green eyes than other ethnic groups.
- Ireland and Scotland: This eye color is particularly prevalent in people born in Ireland and Scotland.
- Liqian, Western China: Interestingly, a small village named Liqian in Western China stands out, as a significant proportion of its inhabitants have green eyes and blonde hair.
Understanding the Rarity
The low percentage of individuals with green eyes highlights the unique genetic factors that contribute to this trait. Green eyes are the result of having a certain amount of melanin in the iris coupled with the way light scatters, a phenomenon known as the Rayleigh scattering.
| Region | Prevalence of Green Eyes |
|---|---|
| Global | Approximately 2% |
| European Ancestry | Higher than average |
| Ireland and Scotland | High |
| Liqian, Western China | Unusually high |
Therefore, while globally a minority, individuals with European ancestry, particularly those from Ireland and Scotland, are more likely to have true green eyes. The population of Liqian, China also has a higher-than-average occurrence of green eyes.
