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Top Countries with the Highest Age at Which Women Get Married in 2025
Switzerland Leads with the Oldest Marriage Age
Switzerland continues its streak as the country where women most often tie the knot at the age of 30.4 years. This trend reflects broader societal shifts towards education and career prioritization, with many women delaying marriage until their early thirties.
Nordic Countries Maintain High Marriage Ages
Countries like Norway and Denmark see women marrying in their early thirties, with average ages of 32.3 and 32.4 years, respectively. Iceland’s women are similarly delaying marriage, averaging around 32.4 years as well. The Scandinavian nations are often noted for their progressive attitudes towards gender equality and work-life balance, which may influence these numbers.
Western European Nations Show a Trend Toward Later Marriages
Countries such as Spain (33.2 years), Sweden (33.8 years), and the UK (31.2 years) are witnessing women marrying significantly later compared to global averages. This shift is linked to increased educational attainment, employment opportunities, and changing societal norms around marriage and family.
North America: United States and Canada
In North America, the average marriage age for women is approaching the late twenties. The United States stands at 27.4 years, while Canada has a higher average at 29.1 years. These figures suggest a continued trend of women prioritizing personal development and career growth before marriage.
Asian Countries: Shifts in Marriage Patterns
India and China exhibit diverse trends with averages at 21.4 and 25.4 years, respectively. Historically younger marriage ages are gradually climbing as economic development and educational opportunities expand and societal norms evolve.
Latin America: Steady Rise in Marriage Ages
In countries like Mexico (27.5 years) and Brazil (23.9 years), women are marrying later than in previous decades. Urbanization and increased access to higher education are likely contributors to this shift.
Middle Eastern and African Perspectives
Iran (23.1 years) and Egypt (22 years) show moderate increases in marriage ages, though cultural and religious factors still influence early marriage rates. In Africa, Nigeria (21.2 years) and the Central African Republic (17.3 years) reflect substantial differences, with some nations experiencing younger median ages due to societal norms.
Africa and Sub-Saharan Trends
Nigeria’s average marriage age for women stands at 21.2 years, while in Niger, it is as low as 17.2 years. These figures highlight ongoing challenges around education access and cultural practices impacting women’s marriage timelines.
Global Highlights
- Youngest Marriage Ages: Niger leads with an average marriage age of 17.2 years, illustrating ongoing issues related to early marriage and gender inequality.
- Older Marriage Ages: Countries like Iceland (32.4), Sweden (33.8), and Spain (33.2) represent the trend of women delaying marriage, often into their early thirties.
- Total Shift Over Time: There has been a clear worldwide trend toward later marriages, influenced by increased educational opportunities, women’s empowerment, and economic factors.
The Role of Societal Change
The data underscores how modernization, education, and gender equality initiatives contribute to delaying marriage ages across the globe. Countries with progressive gender policies tend to see their women marry later, aligning with broader societal values around personal choice and career pursuits.
Conclusion
As of 2025, marriage trends reveal significant shifts worldwide, with some countries embracing delayed marriage and others still grappling with early unions due to cultural or socio-economic factors. Understanding these patterns helps shed light on evolving societal priorities and gender dynamics.
Source: Our World in Data (2025)
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