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The Age of First Marriage Around the World: A 2025 Perspective
Image caption: A diverse range of countries show varying ages at first marriage, reflecting cultural and socio-economic differences.
1. Spain and Latin American Leaders in Marriage Age
Spain takes the lead as the country with the highest average age at first marriage, with individuals tying the knot at an average age of 38.8 years in 2025. Chile and the Netherlands follow closely behind, at 37.8 and 37.6 years respectively. Interestingly, many South American nations and European countries are witnessing a trend toward delaying marriage compared to previous decades, influenced by educational pursuits, career priorities, and evolving societal norms.
2. South Korea and Scandinavian Countries
South Korea maintains an average marriage age of 37 years, signaling cultural shifts, including increased educational attainment and career focus among young adults. Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland also report higher ages, with Norway and Sweden at 36.8 and 33.9 years, demonstrating a progressive approach towards marriage, often involving higher levels of gender equality and economic security.
3. The United States and Developed Nations
In 2025, the U.S. stands at an average age of 30.8 years at first marriage, reflecting persistent trends of delayed nuptials due to diverse social factors, including higher educational commitments and changing household priorities. Canada and Switzerland share similar statistics, with marriage generally occurring in the early thirties, underscoring the norm of postponing marriage for many young adults in Western countries.
4. Asian Nations Clocking in Lower
Asian countries tend to have moderately younger marriage ages. South Korea, as mentioned, averages 37 years, but countries like Japan and China are closer to 29.7 and 25.6 years respectively. Notably, nations like India and Pakistan have historically lower averages, around 27.2 and 25.6 years, although these are gradually increasing as social attitudes evolve.
5. Countries with the Youngest Marriage Ages
Some nations still see early marriages on average. Afghanistan leads this group, with an average first marriage age of just 22.4 years. Countries in the Middle East and parts of Africa, such as Yemen (23 years) and Mali (22.8), also report relatively younger marriage ages, often influenced by cultural traditions and socio-economic factors.
6. Africa’s Shift Towards Later Marriages
While many African countries have traditionally seen early marriages, recent data indicates a gradual increase. South Africa’s mean marriage age is now about 31 years, and neighboring nations like Ghana (21.7) and Nigeria (around 20.4) show significant variation, reflecting ongoing social and economic transformations.
7. The Impact of Education and Economy on Marriage Timing
Across the globe, higher education levels and economic stability are correlated with later marriages. Developed countries with comprehensive support systems for young adults tend to see ages at first marriage exceeding 35 years. Conversely, in emerging economies, early marriage still persists but gradually trends upward as socio-economic conditions improve and education becomes more accessible.
8. Cultural and Religious Influences
Cultural norms and religious beliefs continue to shape marriage ages. For instance, countries with strong religious traditions, like some in the Middle East and South Asia, tend to marry earlier despite rising educational and economic opportunities. Meanwhile, secular societies tend to postpone marriage, prioritizing personal development and career.
Countries are experiencing a clear shift towards postponing marriage, driven by broader societal changes, gender equality, economic pressures, and educational opportunities. This trend is reshaping family structures and societal expectations worldwide in 2025, showcasing a move toward individual choice over traditional timelines.
Note: The marriage age figures are based on the latest World Population Review 2025 data, reflecting current trends and evolving societal norms.
Sources: World Population Review 2025
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