Top Date Producing Countries

Date palms (*Phoenix dactylifera*) have been cultivated for thousands of years, with their origins tracing back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and Egypt, where they were a staple food and a symbol of prosperity. Over centuries, the cultivation of dates spread across the Middle East and North Africa, adapting to arid environments and becoming integral to the diets and economies of these regions. Today, the top date-producing countries are Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Iraq, which together account for the majority of global production. Egypt leads the world, producing over a million tons annually, followed by Iran and Saudi Arabia, where dates remain a vital crop both for domestic consumption and export. The enduring importance of date farming reflects both its deep historical roots and its continued relevance in modern agriculture, especially in regions with hot, dry climates.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat