Although not complete, this is a list of countries that have explicitly banned same-sex marriage:
Currently, these countries permit same-sex couples to marry nationwide (in chronological order):
Heres is a list of the richest countries showing whether they have legalized same-sex marriage.QatarLuxembourgSingaporeNorway - LEGALBruneiUnited States - PARTIALLY LEGALHong KongSwitzerlandSan MarinoCanada - LEGALAustraliaAustriaNetherlands - LEGALIrelandSweden - LEGALKuwaitIceland - LEGALGermanyTaiwanBelgium - LEGALDenmark - LEGALUnited Kingdom - PARTIALLY LEGALJapanFinlandFrance - LEGALIsraelSouth KoreaBahamasSaudi ArabiaSpain - LEGALItalyNew Zealand - LEGALGiven how few countries have legalized same-sex marriage, it does appear that many are among the richest countries on earth. Incidentally, the poorest country to have legalized same-sex marriage is Brazil, which ranks 81st out of almost 200 countries. So it appears that ALL countries that have legalized same-sex marriage are in the upper half according to wealth.
Same-sex marriage has been legalized in at least some countries (or states) in North America, South America, Europe and Africa. One country in Oceania (New Zealand) is scheduled to begin marrying same-sex couples on August 19, 2013. Several territories in Antarctica permit same-sex marriage, although marriages almost never happen there. Asia is the only continent where no country has legalized same-sex marriage.
There is no legitimate reason why marriage should be limited to heterosexual couples only, or at least that is what many courts have ruled.
The US, Canada, UK, France, Spain and many other countries have legalized same-sex marriage. The list keeps changing.In places where same-sex marriage is legal, the requirements and procedures are usually identical to any other marriage. Exceptions to this rule are Mexico (where a court order is required in many states) and Israel (where the couple must prove that they are not Jewish).In some places where same-sex marriage has not been legalized, same-sex couples may be able to obtain the same rights and responsibilities by entering into a civil union, civil partnership or domestic partnership.
In order for same-sex marriage to be legalized in a country, the government must enact a law or amend the constitution to permit it. Alternatively, a high court can order the government to permit same-sex couples to marry. If a country has not legalized same-sex marriage, then it is because this has not been accomplished. The reasons could be cultural or religious. Some cultures and many religions actively discriminate against gays and lesbians.
Marriage is an individual choice in many countries like the United States. In some countries like Egypt, India, and many Arabic nations, marriage is arranged by parents or family rather than by an individual's choice.
Belgium has a long history and many interesting facts. One interesting fact about Belgium is that they legalized euthanasia in 2002 and gay marriage in 2003.
From 2007 to 2009, 1,572 marriages were registered in South Africa, the only country in Africa that has legalized same-sex marriage.
These countries have legalized civil partnerships:AndorraAustriaBrazilColombiaCzech RepublicEcuadorFinlandFranceGermanyGreenlandHungaryIrelandIsle of ManJerseyLiechtensteinLuxembourgNew ZealandSloveniaSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUruguayThese countries have legalized same-sex marriage:Netherlands (April 21, 2001);Belgium (June 1, 2003);Spain (July 3, 2005);Canada (nationwide July 20, 2005, although some provinces started earlier);South Africa (November 30, 2006);Norway (January 1, 2009);Sweden (May 1, 2009);Portugal (June 5, 2010);Iceland (June 22, 2010);Argentina (July 22, 2010); and,Denmark (June 15, 2012).
No. If you line up the countries in the world according to adult HIV infection rate, you will find that most of the countries at the top of the list are African nations and many of the countries at the bottom of the list are predominantly Islamic nations. Most countries that have legalized same-sex marriage are in the middle of the list.Estimated Adult HIV Infection RatesSouth Africa 17.80% est. 2009;Portugal .60% est. 2009;Argentina .50% est. 2009;Spain .40% est. 2009;Canada .30% est. 2009;Iceland .30% est. 2009;Netherlands .20% est. 2009;Belgium .20% est. 2009;Denmark .20% est. 2009;Norway .10% est. 2009;Sweden .10% est. 2009.
If by "illegal" you mean "against the law," then none. There is no state in the US where same-sex marriage is considered a crime. In fact, in most US states, same-sex marriage is legally recognized. (See related questions below: "What US states have legalized same-sex marriage" and "What US states have banned same-sex marriage.")
Yes. Same-sex marriage is legal in many countries.