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7 Countries Where People Marry Later in Life
Marriage age varies significantly across the globe, reflecting cultural, economic, and social differences. In 2025, some nations see individuals tying the knot later than others, often evolving with modern lifestyles. Here’s a look at countries where the average age at first marriage surpasses 35 years old.
Spain and Chile Lead the Charge at Nearly 39
Spain stands out with an average marriage age of 38.8 years, closely followed by Chile at 37.8. These figures suggest a societal shift towards prioritizing education and career before committing to marriage. Both countries have experienced increased urbanization and changing gender roles, influencing younger generations to delay marriage.
European Countries with High Marrying Ages
The Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, and Saint Lucia all report average marriage ages of 37.6, 36.8, 35.0, and 34.9 respectively. Notably, Scandinavian nations like Norway and Sweden feature prominently among the earliest to marry later, reflecting progressive social norms that emphasize personal development and economic stability prior to marriage.
Latin America’s Tipping Point
Argentina and Uruguay have kept high marriage ages, at 36.8 and 34.8 respectively. This trend mirrors increasing participation of women in higher education and the workforce, along with changing cultural perspectives on marriage timing.
Germany and North European Countries
Germany (average age 34.4) and Sweden (33.9) depict the trend of delaying marriage, aligning with their widespread focus on individual fulfillment and career pursuits. Scandinavian countries often lead with progressive social policies that influence marriage patterns.
Caribbean and Smaller Nations
Countries like Barbados, France, and Iceland hover around the low to mid-30s, with average ages at 32.9, 32.8, and 32.7. These countries tend to have high standards of living, which correlates with later marriages.
The United States and Australia
In 2025, the United States and Australia have an average marriage age of 30.8. This is notably higher than decades past, underlining a trend where Millennials and Gen Z prioritize education, financial stability, and personal growth.
Asian Nations and Middle Eastern Countries
South Korea averages 37.0, representing some of the highest ages in Asia, driven by intense academic and professional commitments. Conversely, countries like Saudi Arabia and Morocco have lower average ages at around 25.9 and 25.7, reflecting traditional and societal influences.
Countries with the Earliest Marriage Ages
At the lower end, many African and Asian countries see the average age at first marriage around 20-22 years. For example, Afghanistan (22.4), Iran (24.0), and Bangladesh (24.8) tend to marry young due to cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors.
Key Factors Influencing Later Marriages
- Educational Attainment: Higher education levels often delay marriage, as individuals spend more years in schooling.
- Career Priorities: Many prioritize establishing careers over early marriage.
- Economic Conditions: Financial stability impacts when people feel ready to settle down.
- Changing Cultural Norms: Societies evolve, with more acceptance toward remaining single longer or postponing marriage.
Conclusion
The global landscape of marriage age indicates a shift toward later commitments, predominantly in developed and urbanized countries. While cultural norms continue to influence trends, the emphasis on personal growth, education, and career goals appears to be the main drivers behind these changes.
Note: Data sourced from World Population Review, 2025.
Please note that the image included is representative and not specific to any country mentioned.
This article is for informational purposes and reflects recent data trends observed in 2025.
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