Top Countries with Highest Age at First Marriage

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Top Countries with the Latest Age for First Marriage in 2025

In 2025, the global landscape of marriage age continues to evolve, influenced by cultural shifts, economic factors, and socioeconomic development. Below is a comprehensive list spotlighting countries where individuals tend to wait the longest — showcasing a trend towards later marriages.

Spain, Chile, and Netherlands Lead the Way at Nearly Age 38

Source: World Population Review

Spain, Chile, and the Netherlands top the list this year, with average ages at first marriage edging close to 39. Spain tops the chart at 38.8 years, reflecting its progressive social attitudes and high education levels. Similarly, Chile and the Netherlands follow closely, with averages of 37.8 and 37.6 respectively, indicating a trend toward delaying marriage in favor of education, career building, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

Cultural emphasis on personal development.
High levels of education encouraging individuals to marry later.
Economic stability influencing the decision to wait.

South Korea and Argentina Maintain High Marriage Ages at 37 and 36.8

South Korea continues to embrace a culture of later marriage, with the average age at first marriage at 37. South Korea’s rapid economic development and changing norms about marriage are key factors. Argentina follows at 36.8, embracing modern trends of delayed union, especially among urban populations.

Notable Trends:

Increasing urbanization correlates with increased marriage age.
Societal shifts prioritizing personal and professional pursuits.

Nordic and Caribbean Countries Show Similar Patterns

Norway (36.8) and Sweden (33.9) exemplify the Nordic trend of marrying later, supported by extensive social programs, gender equality, and strong career opportunities for women. Meanwhile, Caribbean nations like Saint Lucia (34.9), Uruguay (34.8), and Barbados (32.9) also trend towards older marriage ages, possibly linked to economic stability and evolving social norms.

United States and Australia at the 30s

The United States and Australia have averaged ages at first marriage hovering around 30.8 to 30.4, emphasizing the shift toward marriage during the late twenties and early thirties, often after establishing careers or pursuing higher education.

Context:

Increased focus on career and financial independence.
Changing societal perceptions making marriage a more flexible choice.

Asian Countries Show Steady Increases

South Korea at 37.0 and Taiwan at 30.7 reflect a regional trend towards later marriage. Cultural factors such as educational pressures and economic considerations contribute to individuals waiting longer. Japan remains slightly behind at 29.7, with societal debates ongoing around marriage and family life.

Europe’s Mature Marriages at Approximate Age 30

Many European countries, including France (32.8), Germany (34.4), and Italy (33.6), maintain a median marriage age in the early thirties. These nations often feature robust social support, high standards of living, and evolving attitudes towards traditional marriage concepts.

Latin America Sees Growing Trends Toward Delayed Marriage

Countries like Argentina, Brazil (35.6), and Uruguay are displaying an upward trend in age at first marriage, driven by urbanization and shifting cultural norms. Yet, these nations still average below the European and North American standards, often reflecting different social priorities.

African Countries Show Earlier Matrimony

Many African nations, such as South Africa (31.0) and Nigeria, tend to have lower averages, often under 30, indicative of diverse cultural practices emphasizing earlier marriages. However, urbanization and education are influencing these trends and gradually increasing marriage ages.

Data Highlights: Factors Influencing Marriage Age

Educational Attainment: Higher education tends to associate with later marriages.
Economic Factors: Stability allows individuals to delay unions.
Cultural Changes: Societal acceptance of alternative lifestyles reduces urgency for early marriage.
Gender Roles: Shifts towards gender equality influence the timing of marriage, particularly for women.

Final Observations

In 2025, global averages illustrate a distinct shift towards postponing first marriages, especially in developed nations. Young adults prefer to focus on personal growth, career development, and financial security before tying the knot. Cultural norms, social policies, and economic stability continue to shape these trends, signaling a significant transformation in how societies perceive marriage across the world.

Note: Data sourced from the World Population Review and recent research in 2025.