Green eyes are very rare worldwide, with only about 2% of the global population having naturally green eyes, making them one of the rarest eye colors
. In the United States, green eyes are more common than the global average, appearing in approximately 9% of the population
. The rarity of green eyes is due to a complex genetic interplay involving multiple genes that affect melanin production and light scattering in the iris. This genetic combination is relatively uncommon, especially outside of certain regions like Northern and Western Europe, where green eyes are more prevalent, particularly in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Central Europe
. While green is often cited as the rarest standard eye color, some even rarer colors like gray and violet exist but occur in less than 1% of the population and are often linked to specific conditions like albinism
. In summary:
- About 2% of the world’s population has green eyes.
- Around 9% of Americans have green eyes.
- Green eyes are most common in Northern and Western Europe.
- The rarity is due to complex genetic factors affecting pigment and light scattering in the iris.
This makes green eyes a unique and uncommon trait globally
