Eye color distribution varies globally and depends on genetics and geographical location. Here’s an approximate breakdown based on global statistics.
1. Brown Eyes (Most Common)
• Percentage: ~70–79%
• Estimated Number: ~5.6–6.3 billion people
• Details: Brown eyes dominate in regions like Africa, Asia, and the Americas due to the prevalence of melanin.
2. Blue Eyes
• Percentage: ~8–10%
• Estimated Number: ~640 million–800 million people
• Details: Common in Northern and Eastern Europe, especially in countries like Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Ireland.
3. Hazel Eyes
• Percentage: ~5%
• Estimated Number: ~400 million people
• Details: Hazel eyes, a mix of brown and green, are scattered globally but are more common in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa.
4. Green Eyes.
• Percentage: ~2%
• Estimated Number: ~160 million people
• Details: The rarest among common colors, green eyes are primarily found in Northern and Central Europe, as well as parts of Western Asia.
5. Black Eyes (Very Dark Brown)
• Percentage: ~5%
• Estimated Number: ~400 million people
• Details: Often mistaken for “black,” this very dark brown is common in East Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
6. Rare Eye Colors (Gray, Amber, Red, and Violet)
• Gray Eyes:
◦ Percentage: ~1%
◦ Estimated Number: ~80 million people
◦ Details: Common in Eastern Europe and Russia.
• Amber Eyes:
◦ Percentage: <1%
◦ Estimated Number: ~<80 million people
◦ Details: A golden yellow/copper hue, found in parts of Asia and South America.
• Red or Violet Eyes:
◦ Extremely rare, typically associated with albinism.
Global Context
As of 2025, the global population is ~8 billion. Using these proportions:
• Brown eyes: ~5.6–6.3 billion
• Blue eyes: ~640–800 million
• Hazel eyes: ~400 million
• Green eyes: ~160 million
• Black eyes: ~400 million
• Gray eyes: ~80 million
• Amber and others: Rare and under 80 million combined.
Color can have impact on character.
These figures are approximate and may vary depending on definitions and regional data.
As you know, each person has a unique eye color. Sometimes there are combinations of several shades at once.
According to experts, eye color can have a significant impact on character. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting question.
Green eye color: a sign of reliability
The famous writer Anton Chekhov once joked that only crazy people have green eyes.
However, this statement is nothing more than a joke. In fact, green eye color indicates that a person is reliable, principled and quite stable.
Such people strive to solve problems peacefully and do not like scandals. Disagreements only irritate them.
In addition, green-eyed people are distinguished by their devotion and loyalty.
They have unusual sexual energy, and their kindness and tenderness are manifested in a special way.
Gray-green eyes: a sign of a strong character
If a person has gray-green eyes, then we can talk about his strong character and the ability to overcome any difficulties.
Whatever goal they set for themselves, sooner or later they achieve it. You can feel like you are behind a stone wall behind such a person.
Grey-eyed people are often lucky
Oddly enough, but grey-eyed people are often lucky. This applies to work, personal life, love and business – even in those areas where, it would seem, luck is impossible.
They have courage, curiosity and determination.
Another important feature of grey-eyed people is their monogamy. If they meet their soulmate, they remain faithful to her for the rest of their lives.
However, despite this, they can be jealous, although they do not always admit it.
Blue-eyed: self-confident people
Blue eyes.
People with blue eyes are distinguished by restraint, purposefulness and self-confidence.
They do not tolerate sentimentality, and even tears are not able to move them to pity.
Dark blue eyes: a sign of persistence
Dark blue eyes have a unique and beautiful shade, which can be compared to a thunderstorm in the sunlight. Such people are often persistent, but they are soft in nature.
Another feature is that their mood can often change.
Blue-eyed: romantics and debaters
Blue eyes seem like something out of a fairy tale. These people are romantic, emotional and sensual by nature.
They fall in love easily and can be very passionate in relationships.
However, they also have negative qualities: straightforwardness and a willingness to argue for hours just to prove their case.
Brown-eyed: witty and sensitive.
Brown eyed people are sensual, attractive and witty. Scientists say that they have an incredibly developed intellect.
However, they also have negative traits: irascibility and stubbornness.
Light brown eyes: dreamy and hardworking
People with light brown eyes are often shy and dreamy, but at the same time passionate and hardworking.
You can rely on them – they will always come to the rescue. However, they do not tolerate pressure from others and prefer to solve all problems on their own, without resorting to the help of others.
Dark brown eyes: sociable and attractive.
People with dark brown eyes are sociable and attractive. They easily find a common language with anyone and can easily fall in love, but also easily cool off.
Black eyeds, strong personalities.
It is hard to believe, but there are people with black eyes. They have great strength and vitality.
Black-eyed men are loving, brave and decisive. For the sake of their other half, they are ready to do anything.
Eye color is determined by the interaction of genetics, pigmentation, and the way light scatters within the iris. Here’s a breakdown.
Interaction of genetics.
Genetics.
• Eye color is primarily influenced by multiple genes, with the OCA2 and HERC2 genes playing major roles. These genes regulate the production and distribution of melanin, the pigment responsible for color in the body.
• The inheritance of eye color is polygenic, meaning it involves multiple genes rather than a single one, and the interactions between these genes result in a range of colors.
Pigmentation.
• Melanin: The amount and type of melanin in the iris determine its color:
◦ High melanin concentration results in darker eyes (brown or black).
◦ Low melanin concentration results in lighter eyes (blue or green).
• Types of Melanin: Eumelanin (dark pigment) and pheomelanin (reddish-yellow pigment) combine in varying amounts to create different shades.
Light Scattering (Structural Colors).
• The stroma, a fibrous layer of the iris, plays a role in scattering light.
• Blue and green eyes don’t actually have blue or green pigment. Instead, they appear that way due to the Tyndall scattering of light within the stroma. This effect is similar to why the sky appears blue.
Eye Colors in Humans.
• Brown: Caused by high melanin levels.
• Blue: Caused by low melanin levels and light scattering.
• Green: A combination of moderate melanin levels and light scattering.
• Gray: Similar to blue but influenced by denser stromal fibers.
• Hazel: A mix of brown and green due to varying melanin concentrations and scattering effects.
Environmental and Health Factors.
• Eye color can sometimes change slightly due to aging, lighting conditions, or certain diseases affecting pigmentation.
The variation in eye colors seen worldwide is a fascinating result of human evolution and migration, shaped by genetic diversity and adaptation to different environments.
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