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1. Spain and Chile Lead with the Oldest Ages at First Marriage
In 2025, Spain tops the list with the average age for first marriage reaching 38.8 years. Chile follows closely behind at 37.8 years. These high ages suggest a significant shift toward later life commitments, driven by increased focus on education, career establishment, and changing societal norms. European and Latin American countries like the Netherlands (37.6) and Argentina (36.8) also report similarly high ages, highlighting regional trends of delayed marriage.
2. Scandinavia and Caribbean Countries Maintain High Marriage Age Averages
Northern European nations, including Norway (36.8 years), Sweden (33.9), and Iceland (32.7), along with Caribbean countries like Saint Lucia (34.9) and Barbados (32.9), demonstrate a trend of marrying later. Factors influencing this include robust social support systems, economic stability, and shifting cultural perceptions that prioritize personal development over early marriage.
3. United States and Australia Register Slightly Earlier Marriage Ages
Both the United States and Australia report an average age of 30.8 for first marriage, positioning them in the mid-range globally. These figures reflect diverse cultural influences and ongoing discussions around the traditional timeline of marriage, work, and family life in these countries.
4. Countries in Asia Show a Wide Range
Japan (29.7) and Hong Kong (30.6) have notably lower average ages compared to Western standards, while Taiwan and Slovenia are at 30.7. This variation indicates differing societal values, economic factors, and cultural expectations across Asia. Economic pressures and shifting gender roles continue to influence these statistics.
5. European Countries Chill in the 30s
Many European nations, including Germany (34.4), France (32.8), and the United Kingdom (29.0), show rising ages at first marriage. This pattern underscores a shift toward prioritizing education and career, with societal acceptance of later-life marriages increasingly common.
6. Latin American Countries Experience Moderate Ages
Argentina (36.8), Uruguay (34.8), and Brazil (35.6) exhibit moderate ages in comparison to European counterparts. Economic stability, urbanization, and changing cultural dynamics are key contributors influencing these trends.
7. African and Middle Eastern Countries See Earlier Marriages
In regions like Africa and the Middle East, the average age for first marriage remains relatively low, with countries like Mali (22.7), Egypt (25.0), and Saudi Arabia (25.9) leading the way. Cultural and religious norms, along with economic realities, play a significant role in shaping early marriage patterns here.
8. South Asia Continues to Marry Young
India (27.2) and Pakistan (25.6) are among countries with the youngest median ages at first marriage. These statistics highlight ongoing cultural traditions and socioeconomic factors that encourage early unions, although some settings are witnessing gradual change.
9. Southeast Asia and Oceania Show a Gradual Increase
Countries like Thailand (27.6) and the Philippines (25.4) are edging toward later marriages. Education and urbanization are pivotal in encouraging young adults to postpone marriage, aligning with broader global patterns of delayed commitments.
10. The Trends Are Clear: Socioeconomic Development Accelerates Marriage Age
Across the globe, there’s an unmistakable trend towards marrying later in life. Wealthier, developed nations tend to have significantly higher ages at first marriage, while developing nations often retain earlier marriage norms. These shifts reflect changing attitudes towards personal independence, education, and career development, alongside broader societal transformations.
Source: World Population Review 2025
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