GITNUXREPORT 2025

World Prostitution Statistics

Sex work impacts 40 million globally, with safety, health, and legal challenges.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

It is estimated that approximately 40 million people are involved in some form of sex work worldwide

Statistic 2

The global male sex worker population is estimated to be around 3% of sex workers

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Approximately 90% of sex workers globally are women

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Client demand remains a significant factor, with studies indicating that about 80% of sex workers report consistent client visits

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The average age of entry into sex work varies by region, but globally, it is estimated to be between 17-20 years old

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In the United States, estimates of the number of sex workers range from 1 million to 3 million

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The Global Estimates of The Male Sex Worker Population are roughly 6-8% of the overall sex worker population

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The proportion of migrant women in sex work varies but can be as high as 80% in some urban settings, due to economic migration

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Approximately 3-5% of the global population has purchased sex at least once, based on various surveys and regional studies

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There are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims of sex trafficking worldwide at any given time, with women and girls accounting for about 70% of victims

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The average earning of a sex worker globally can range from $50 to over $1,000 per session, depending on region and service, with many earning below the poverty line

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The prevalence of HIV among sex workers is significantly higher than the general population, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa

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Sex trafficking accounts for an estimated $150 billion annually in illegal profits

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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that the total global profits from sex trafficking are approximately $32 billion annually, mostly from commercial sex exploitation

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The total global economic impact of the commercial sex industry is estimated to be over $186 billion annually, including legal and illegal activities

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In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany, legal and regulated sex work sectors contribute significantly to local economies through taxes and employment

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Studies suggest that 45-55% of sex workers worldwide are HIV-positive, with higher prevalence in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa

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Approximately 60% of male sex workers report facing violence and discrimination

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In European countries where sex work is regulated, there has been a decrease in violence and better health outcomes for sex workers

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The use of condom protocols among sex workers is near 90% in many regions where health initiatives are active, significantly reducing STI transmission

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About 70% of sex workers globally do not have access to adequate healthcare due to stigma and criminalization

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The average duration of sex work varies, but many women exit after less than five years, citing health and safety concerns

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Legalization of sex work in New Zealand in 2003 led to improved health and safety conditions for sex workers, with decreased violence reported

Statistic 24

Approximately 50% of female sex workers report having contracted at least one STI in the past year, emphasizing the need for health interventions

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The proportion of sex workers who have experienced violence is higher among street-based workers than those working in brothels, with figures around 70-80%

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In regions with strict anti-prostitution laws, sex workers are less likely to access health services, increasing the spread of HIV and other STIs

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Studies show that decriminalization of sex work can lead to better working conditions, reduced violence, and improved health outcomes, according to WHO and UN agencies

Statistic 28

The proportion of sex workers who have experienced police harassment is high, with estimates around 60-70% in various regions, deterring them from seeking health services

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Many sex workers globally face societal stigma that discourages their participation in healthcare and legal processes, increasing their vulnerability to violence and disease

Statistic 30

Around 70% of women in the sex industry are either driven into it by poverty or coercion

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About 1 million people are trafficked globally each year for sexual exploitation

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The majority of sex workers (about 70%) have reported experiencing some form of violence or coercion during their work

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The number of children exploited in sex trafficking is estimated to be over 1 million worldwide

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The majority of trafficking victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation rather than forced labor, accounting for about 60-70% of cases

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About 40% of sex trafficking victims are minors, and most are trafficked from impoverished regions to urban areas or abroad

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The majority of trafficking victims are recruited through false promises of employment or better opportunities, with traffickers often exploiting economic hardship

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Approximately 1 in 10 sex trafficking victims are children under 18, most of whom are victims of commercial sexual exploitation

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Sex work is criminalized in approximately 80 countries, affecting access to health and legal services

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In some countries, sex work decriminalization has led to reductions in HIV transmission rates among sex workers

Statistic 40

In Latin America, sex work is criminalized in some countries but largely tolerated or regulated in others, influencing prevalence rates

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Roughly 15-20% of sex workers globally are estimated to be involved in some illegal or unregistered activity, exposing themselves to higher risks

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Criminalization of clients (the "Nordic model") in countries like Sweden and Norway has led to decreased client-initiated violence, but concerns about increased stigma remain

Statistic 43

In parts of Asia, especially in India and Thailand, legal frameworks vary greatly, impacting the safety and health of sex workers

Statistic 44

Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Iceland have adopted the Nordic model, criminalizing clients but not sex workers, leading to a reported decrease in illegal activities

Statistic 45

Policy failures, including criminalization, stigma, and lack of health services, contribute to increased risks for sex workers, according to WHO reports

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In Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, sex work is often criminalized, but enforcement varies, impacting HIV and violence rates

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Sources

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Key Highlights

It is estimated that approximately 40 million people are involved in some form of sex work worldwide
The global male sex worker population is estimated to be around 3% of sex workers
Approximately 90% of sex workers globally are women
Around 70% of women in the sex industry are either driven into it by poverty or coercion
Client demand remains a significant factor, with studies indicating that about 80% of sex workers report consistent client visits
Sex trafficking accounts for an estimated $150 billion annually in illegal profits
About 1 million people are trafficked globally each year for sexual exploitation
The average age of entry into sex work varies by region, but globally, it is estimated to be between 17-20 years old
Sex work is criminalized in approximately 80 countries, affecting access to health and legal services
In some countries, sex work decriminalization has led to reductions in HIV transmission rates among sex workers
Studies suggest that 45-55% of sex workers worldwide are HIV-positive, with higher prevalence in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa
Approximately 60% of male sex workers report facing violence and discrimination
The majority of sex workers (about 70%) have reported experiencing some form of violence or coercion during their work

With an estimated 40 million people involved in sex work worldwide and complex issues surrounding trafficking, health risks, and legal challenges, the global sex industry remains one of the most hidden and contentious aspects of modern society.

Demographics and Worker Profiles

It is estimated that approximately 40 million people are involved in some form of sex work worldwide
The global male sex worker population is estimated to be around 3% of sex workers
Approximately 90% of sex workers globally are women
Client demand remains a significant factor, with studies indicating that about 80% of sex workers report consistent client visits
The average age of entry into sex work varies by region, but globally, it is estimated to be between 17-20 years old
In the United States, estimates of the number of sex workers range from 1 million to 3 million
The Global Estimates of The Male Sex Worker Population are roughly 6-8% of the overall sex worker population
The proportion of migrant women in sex work varies but can be as high as 80% in some urban settings, due to economic migration
Approximately 3-5% of the global population has purchased sex at least once, based on various surveys and regional studies
There are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims of sex trafficking worldwide at any given time, with women and girls accounting for about 70% of victims
The average earning of a sex worker globally can range from $50 to over $1,000 per session, depending on region and service, with many earning below the poverty line
The prevalence of HIV among sex workers is significantly higher than the general population, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa

Demographics and Worker Profiles Interpretation

Despite comprising primarily women lured into a global industry by economic necessity and persistent demand, sex work's staggering figures—covering 40 million individuals, a significant trafficking burden, and elevated health risks—highlight an urgent paradox: a marginalized economy often driven by client need, yet fraught with vulnerability and injustice.

Economic Impact and Market Dynamics

Sex trafficking accounts for an estimated $150 billion annually in illegal profits
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that the total global profits from sex trafficking are approximately $32 billion annually, mostly from commercial sex exploitation
The total global economic impact of the commercial sex industry is estimated to be over $186 billion annually, including legal and illegal activities
In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany, legal and regulated sex work sectors contribute significantly to local economies through taxes and employment

Economic Impact and Market Dynamics Interpretation

While in some nations regulated sex work boosts local economies and bolsters transparency, the staggering estimated $186 billion global industry—including illicit sex trafficking, which alone racks up $32 billion—reminds us that beneath the commerce lies a deeply troubling web of exploitation feeding off human rights violations on an astronomical scale.

Health and Safety Considerations

Studies suggest that 45-55% of sex workers worldwide are HIV-positive, with higher prevalence in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa
Approximately 60% of male sex workers report facing violence and discrimination
In European countries where sex work is regulated, there has been a decrease in violence and better health outcomes for sex workers
The use of condom protocols among sex workers is near 90% in many regions where health initiatives are active, significantly reducing STI transmission
About 70% of sex workers globally do not have access to adequate healthcare due to stigma and criminalization
The average duration of sex work varies, but many women exit after less than five years, citing health and safety concerns
Legalization of sex work in New Zealand in 2003 led to improved health and safety conditions for sex workers, with decreased violence reported
Approximately 50% of female sex workers report having contracted at least one STI in the past year, emphasizing the need for health interventions
The proportion of sex workers who have experienced violence is higher among street-based workers than those working in brothels, with figures around 70-80%
In regions with strict anti-prostitution laws, sex workers are less likely to access health services, increasing the spread of HIV and other STIs
Studies show that decriminalization of sex work can lead to better working conditions, reduced violence, and improved health outcomes, according to WHO and UN agencies
The proportion of sex workers who have experienced police harassment is high, with estimates around 60-70% in various regions, deterring them from seeking health services
Many sex workers globally face societal stigma that discourages their participation in healthcare and legal processes, increasing their vulnerability to violence and disease

Health and Safety Considerations Interpretation

Despite notable strides in regulation and health initiatives reducing violence and STI transmission among sex workers, the persistent high rates of HIV, inadequate healthcare access, and widespread societal stigma underscore that decriminalization and genuine social support remain essential to safeguarding their rights and health worldwide.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Around 70% of women in the sex industry are either driven into it by poverty or coercion
About 1 million people are trafficked globally each year for sexual exploitation
The majority of sex workers (about 70%) have reported experiencing some form of violence or coercion during their work
The number of children exploited in sex trafficking is estimated to be over 1 million worldwide
The majority of trafficking victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation rather than forced labor, accounting for about 60-70% of cases
About 40% of sex trafficking victims are minors, and most are trafficked from impoverished regions to urban areas or abroad
The majority of trafficking victims are recruited through false promises of employment or better opportunities, with traffickers often exploiting economic hardship
Approximately 1 in 10 sex trafficking victims are children under 18, most of whom are victims of commercial sexual exploitation

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Interpretation

These staggering statistics reveal that beneath the façade of choice lies a harrowing global crisis of poverty, coercion, and false promises, where millions—including vulnerable children—are forcibly caught in a cycle of exploitation that demands urgent worldwide action.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Sex work is criminalized in approximately 80 countries, affecting access to health and legal services
In some countries, sex work decriminalization has led to reductions in HIV transmission rates among sex workers
In Latin America, sex work is criminalized in some countries but largely tolerated or regulated in others, influencing prevalence rates
Roughly 15-20% of sex workers globally are estimated to be involved in some illegal or unregistered activity, exposing themselves to higher risks
Criminalization of clients (the "Nordic model") in countries like Sweden and Norway has led to decreased client-initiated violence, but concerns about increased stigma remain
In parts of Asia, especially in India and Thailand, legal frameworks vary greatly, impacting the safety and health of sex workers
Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Iceland have adopted the Nordic model, criminalizing clients but not sex workers, leading to a reported decrease in illegal activities
Policy failures, including criminalization, stigma, and lack of health services, contribute to increased risks for sex workers, according to WHO reports
In Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, sex work is often criminalized, but enforcement varies, impacting HIV and violence rates

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Interpretation

Despite the myriad legal landscapes—from criminalization to regulation—global sex work policies remain a fickle balancing act, with punitive laws and stigma fueling health risks and violence, yet some models like decriminalization and the Nordic approach offer glimpses of safer, more humane realities for sex workers worldwide.