Top Mule Producing Countries

Mules, the hybrid offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare), have been valued worldwide for their strength, endurance, and sure-footedness, especially in challenging terrains. The domestication of the mule dates back to around 3000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, where they were prized as pack and draft animals. Throughout history, mules have played a crucial role in agriculture, transport, and military logistics across civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. Today, the top countries raising mules include China, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Egypt, where they remain vital to rural economies. China leads the world in mule population, utilizing them for plowing, transport, and as pack animals in mountainous regions. In Mexico and Brazil, mules are commonly used in agriculture and by rural communities, while in Ethiopia and Egypt, they are essential for both transport and farm work, particularly in areas where mechanized equipment is less accessible.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat