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Twins, the occurrence of two offspring from the same pregnancy, are considered a relatively uncommon and special phenomenon. The global birth rate of twins varies across regions and countries. Latin America and Southeast Asia have the lowest rates, with approximately 9 sets of twins per 1,000 births. In Europe, the figure stands at around 16 twins for every 1,000 births, while in the United States, it rises to about 33 per 1,000 births. Central Africa experiences a higher incidence, with approximately 18 to 30 sets of twins for every 1,000 births.

However, the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria boast the highest number of twin births in the world, with about 50 sets of twins for every 1,000 live births. Igbo Ora, a sleepy agrarian town 80 kilometers from Lagos, is easily the twin capital of the world: unconfirmed estimates from the town say it boasts a mind-Ьɩowіпɡ 158 sets of twins for every 1,000 live births.

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In Igbo Ora – as with many surrounding Yoruba towns – twins are commonly called “Taiye” and “Kehinde,” respectively, after the order of their births. In addition, they are almost always dressed in matching outfits, at least for the first few years of their lives. It is also not uncommon to find in Igbo Ora people who regard twins as special creatures and accord them worship as minor deіtіeѕ in a town where every household boasts at least a set of twins.