Top Countries with the Earliest Age at First Marriage

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The Age of First Marriage Around the World in 2025: A Detailed Look

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Global marriage patterns have shifted significantly in recent years, reflecting cultural, economic, and social changes. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the average age at first marriage across various countries in 2025, highlighting notable trends and differences.

Western Europe and North America: Marrying Later Than Ever

Spain and Chile Lead the Pack
Spain boasts an impressive average age at first marriage of approximately 38.8 years. Chile follows closely at around 37.8 years, demonstrating a trend where individuals are choosing to marry later in life, likely due to career pursuits and changing societal expectations.
The Netherlands and South Korea
The Netherlands records an average age of 37.6, while South Korea’s couples typically tie the knot at around 37.0 years. These countries exemplify the trend of delayed marriage, possibly influenced by higher education levels and urbanization.

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The United States and Canada
Average marriage age in the U.S. sits at 30.8 years, with Canada at approximately 30.4 years. Both countries reflect a broader shift toward marrying in the late 20s or early 30s, highlighting evolving social norms.

European Countries with Older Marriages

Many European nations have some of the highest ages at first marriage:

Ireland, Norway, and Argentina
Irish and Norwegian individuals often marry at 35 and 36.8 years respectively. Argentina follows close behind at an average of 36.8 years, showcasing a continent-wide trend of postponing marriage.
Sweden, Germany, and Italy
Swedes marry around 33.9, Germans about 34.4, and Italians approximately 33.6, reflecting social shifts including career development and economic factors.

Latin America: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity

Brazil and Uruguay
Brazilian men marry on average at 35.6 years, and Uruguay’s at 34.8, indicating that marriage remains significant but is generally deferred.
Saint Lucia and Barbados
These Caribbean nations see an average age of 34.9 and 32.9 respectively, illustrating regional variations and diverse cultural influences.

Asia and Oceania: Countries Marrying Early and Late

South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan
South Korean individuals are marrying at roughly 37.0 years, one of the highest in Asia. Taiwan and Japan have averages of 30.7 and 29.7, respectively, showing a trend towards later marriage in some parts of Asia, juxtaposed with earlier marriage ages elsewhere.
Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
The UK has an average marriage age of 29.0, while Australia and New Zealand sit at 30.8 and 30.4. These numbers reflect social liberalism and prioritization of education.

Middle East and Africa: Closer to Traditional Norms

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco
Average ages are in the mid-20s, with Egyptian women marrying around 25.0 years, aligning with traditional cultural expectations.
South Africa and Nigeria
South African women tend to marry around 31.0 years, a notable deviation from regional norms, possibly influenced by economic factors and educational opportunities.

Countries with Younger Marriage Ages

India and Pakistan
Indian men marry at about 27.2 years, and women slightly earlier. Pakistan follows with 25.6 years, reflecting enduring cultural norms and family expectations.
Sub-Saharan Africa
In many nations like Nigeria (29.2), Mali (22.8), and Ethiopia (22.3), early marriage remains prevalent, often tied to social and economic factors.

Significant Trends in Marriage Age for 2025

Increasing Delay in Marriage
Across most developed countries, the average age of first marriage has continued to rise, often surpassing 35 years.
Cultural Shifts and Education
Countries with higher education levels and urbanization tend to see later marriages, emphasizing personal growth and career development over traditional timelines.
Economic Factors
Economic stability influences marriage timing, with nations experiencing downturns or high living costs delaying unions.
Changing Social Norms
Many cultures are witnessing a shift in attitudes, with marriage becoming more flexible and less of an immediate life goal.

Final Thoughts

The data from 2025 paints a picture of a world where marriage is increasingly a matter of personal choice rather than societal pressure. While some countries still see early marriages, the trend toward waiting longer is clear, driven by socioeconomic factors, education, and evolving cultural norms. As the world continues to change, so too will the patterns of marriage, reflecting broader shifts in how societies view love, partnership, and life stages.

Note: All data is sourced from the World Population Review 2025 report.