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The average age of first marriage varies significantly from country to country. Cultural, social, and economic factors greatly determine when people choose to get married. In many Western nations, there has been a trend of people delaying marriage until later in life. Countries like the United States, Canada, and many European nations have seen an increase in the average age of first marriage, often in the late 20s or early 30s, as individuals focus on education and careers before tying the knot.
Conversely, early marriages are more common in some countries, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa, and the average age at first marriage can be significantly lower, often in the late teens or early 20s.
One of the countries known for later marriages is Ireland. In Ireland, the average age at first marriage has been rising over the years, and it’s not uncommon for both men and women to get married in their late 20s or early 30s. This trend of delayed marriage is observed in several Scandinavian countries as well.
Top 10 countries where people wait the longest to get married
Rank
Countries
Men, years
Women, years
Average, years
1
Ireland
36.8
34.8
35.8
2
Norway
36.7
34.1
35.4
3
Sweden
36.3
33.9
35.1
4
South Africa
37.0
33.0
35.0
5
Spain
35.6
33.6
34.6
6
Saint Lucia
35.1
33.7
34.4
7
Chile
35.3
32.6
34.0
8
Jamaica
34.8
33.2
34.0
9
Denmark
35.0
32.7
33.9
10
Argentina
34.1
33.2
33.7
The delay in marriage in Ireland and similar countries can be attributed to various factors, including a strong emphasis on individual independence, higher educational pursuits, and changing social norms. Many couples in these countries choose to live together and establish careers before tying the knot.
In contrast, the Central African Republic has one of the lowest average ages (19.5 years) at first marriage in the world.
Top 10 countries where people get married the earliest
