Only 2% of People Have Green Eyes

If you have green eyes, you're part of an exclusive club. Only about 2% of the world's population possesses this striking eye color, making it one of the rarest human traits.

Green eyes are most commonly found in people of Northern and Central European descent. Ireland and Scotland boast the highest concentrations, with some estimates suggesting up to 86% of the Irish population has either green or blue eyes. Iceland, Hungary, and parts of the Netherlands also show higher-than-average rates of green eyes.

The Genetics Behind Green Eyes

Eye color isn't determined by a single gene but rather by multiple genetic variations. Green eyes result from a moderate amount of melanin in the iris combined with a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that makes the sky appear blue.

The genes most associated with green eyes are OCA2 and HERC2, which regulate melanin production. Unlike brown eyes, which require high melanin levels, green eyes need just the right amount combined with the scattering of light through the iris.

Why Are Green Eyes So Rare?

Brown eyes dominate globally because the genes for darker pigmentation are typically dominant. In fact, roughly 79% of the world's population has brown eyes, while only 8-10% has blue eyes and 2% has green.

Geographic distribution matters too. In Asia, Africa, and South America—which together comprise the majority of Earth's population—green eyes are extremely rare, sometimes appearing in less than 0.1% of people. The trait is primarily concentrated in Europe, where historically isolated populations allowed the genes to persist.

Interesting quirks about green eyes:

• They can appear to change color depending on lighting and clothing
• Women are slightly more likely to have green eyes than men
• Green eyes are more sensitive to light than darker-colored eyes
• The color can intensify or fade slightly with age

So if you've got green eyes, appreciate your genetic rarity. You're literally one in fifty.