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Global Trends in Age of First Sexual Experience in 2025

A recent survey conducted by Durex and published by The Daily Star provides a detailed look into when young people around the world typically lose their virginity. The data reveals intriguing regional differences, highlighting cultural, social, and economic influences that shape sexual initiation ages across various countries.
The Youngest to Say Goodbye to Virginity: Iceland and Sweden
Iceland, Sweden, and Norway are among the countries with the earliest average ages for losing virginity, coming in at approximately 15.6 to 16.5 years old. These Nordic countries often report more liberal attitudes toward sexuality and comprehensive sex education, which might contribute to earlier sexual debut.
Image: Nordic teenagers engaging in social activities.
Despite early initiation, these countries also tend to have the lowest rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, reflecting responsible sexual behavior and open dialogue about sexual health.
North America and Western Europe: Slightly Later
In North America, the United States averages at 18 years old for first-time sex. The United Kingdom follows closely at 18.3 years, while other Western European countries like France and Switzerland average around 18.2 to 18.5 years.
These nations often feature a balance between liberal attitudes and conservative cultural norms. Access to comprehensive sex education and contraception plays a significant role in delaying sexual initiation and promoting safe practices.
Asia-Pacific: Varying Starts
The Asia-Pacific region shows a wide range, with Vietnam and Hong Kong averaging approximately 19.7 to 20 years old, while countries like Australia and New Zealand are slightly earlier at 17.8 and 17.9 years.
In countries like Japan and South Korea, cultural reticence and societal expectations often influence age, with many individuals waiting longer before becoming sexually active. However, urbanization and changing norms are gradually shifting this trend.
Latin America and Africa: Middle Ground
Brazil, Chile, and Portugal report the average age around 16.9 to 17.4 years, indicating earlier sexual debut compared to some other regions. Social dynamics, family structures, and education impact these figures, with more traditional communities tending to delay sexual activity.
In Africa, nations like Nigeria and South Africa report averages around 19.7 to 19.8 years, indicative of diverse cultural and religious influences that often promote delay or abstinence until marriage.
The Mature Stage: Countries with the Highest Averages
Countries like Malaysia (23) and India (22.9) report some of the highest average ages for losing virginity worldwide. Factors include conservative cultural values, strong religious influences, and lack of comprehensive sex education, leading many to delay sexual activity until later in life.
Europe’s conservative nations such as Poland (19) and Italy (18.9) also fall into this category, emphasizing a trend where social conservatism correlates with higher ages at sexual debut.
Summary Table: Average Age of First Sexual Experience by Country (2025)
| Country | Average Age | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Iceland | 15.6 | Nordic |
| Sweden | 15.6 | Nordic |
| Norway | 16.5 | Nordic |
| USA | 18 | North America |
| UK | 18.3 | Western Europe |
| France | 18.5 | Western Europe |
| Australia | 17.9 | Australia-Pacific |
| Vietnam | 19.7 | Asia-Pacific |
| Japan | 19.4 | Asia-Pacific |
| Nigeria | 19.7 | Africa |
| Malaysia | 23 | Southeast Asia |
| India | 22.9 | South Asia |
What Does This Mean?
The age of losing virginity seems to be influenced heavily by societal norms, education, religion, and economic factors. Countries with open discussions about sex and comprehensive education tend to report earlier ages. Conversely, conservative cultures with limited sex education sources generally show higher average ages.
These findings reflect ongoing shifts in societal attitudes toward sexuality globally, driven by increased digitization, changing cultural values, and evolving norms among youth.
Note: These averages are subject to cultural nuances and may not precisely reflect individual experiences or regional variations within countries.
Updated in 2025, this report underscores the importance of understanding cultural dynamics and promoting comprehensive sexual education worldwide.




