Top Countries with the Highest Age at First Marriage

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The Age of Marriage Worldwide in 2025: 10 Countries Leading the Trend

1. Spain: Marrying at Nearly 39 Years Old
   In 2025, Spain continues its trend of late marriages, with the average age at first marriage climbing to approximately 38.8 years. This shift reflects changing social norms, increased educational pursuits, and career prioritization among Spaniards, especially women.

2. Chile and the Netherlands: Close Followers
   Chile has seen the average age at first marriage rise to about 37.8 years, closely followed by the Netherlands at 37.6. Both countries showcase a preference for establishing personal stability and financial security before tying the knot.

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3. South Korea and Argentina: Steady Marital Milestones
   South Korea reports an average marriage age of 37.0, emphasizing the nation’s focus on education and career. Argentina’s average stands at 36.8, signaling ongoing shifts in social attitudes and economic considerations affecting marriage timing.

4. Northern European Countries Lead with Higher Ages
   Norway (36.8), Sweden (33.9), and Ireland (35.0) exemplify European nations where marriage is increasingly postponed. Factors include flexible work environments, social acceptance of cohabitation, and evolving gender roles.

5. Brazil and Jamaica: The Caribbean’s Marriage Trends
   Brazil’s average marriage age is 35.6, with Jamaica close at 33.8. These trends are driven by economic changes, urbanization, and shifting cultural norms valuing personal growth prior to marriage.

6. Italy and Denmark: European Cultural Influence
   Italy, at 33.6, and Denmark at 33.4, demonstrate European countries where marriage is often a culmination of long-term partnerships formed during early adulthood, emphasizing personal readiness over societal timelines.

7. Finland and Barbados: Slight Variations in Marriage Age
   Finland reports an average marriage age of 33.2, while Barbados is slightly younger at 32.9. Education and career trajectories heavily influence these figures, along with evolving societal expectations.

8. France and Iceland: The French Connection
   France’s average at 32.8 and Iceland’s at 32.7 show a trend of later marriages across Western Europe, influenced by economic stability and the normalization of cohabitation before marriage.

9. Portugal and Mauritius: Marriage Timing in Southern Europe and the Indian Ocean
   Both countries report similar averages—32.4—highlighting regional similarities and the impact of evolving social norms on marriage decisions.

10. Cape Verde and Grenada: Caribbean Countries in the Mix
    Both nations display an average marriage age of approximately 32.0, illustrating how regional customs, economic factors, and education influence marriage timing.

Global Perspective

The list of countries with the highest average age at first marriage reveals a worldwide trend of postponing matrimony, with developed nations leading this shift. Factors such as greater access to higher education, evolving gender roles, economic stability, and changing cultural attitudes contribute to these patterns. Conversely, countries with lower marriage ages often face different societal, economic, or cultural influences that favor earlier marriages.

The data underscores a significant transformation in how societies perceive the rite of marriage. Increasingly, individuals prioritize personal development, education, and career before committing to lifelong partnerships. For policymakers, understanding these trends is crucial for designing supportive social programs and recognizing evolving family structures.

Source: World Population Review 2025

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