There are major global differences in the average age of marriage. From a low of 15 years in Afghanistan (for women), to a high of 36.8 years in Ireland (for men), the average age of marriage is influenced by numerous factors such as education, income, cultural norms, religious views and the local trends in terms of family size and household roles.

While early marriage can negatively impact the chances of attaining education in developing countries, developed countries face the opposite challenge; a high share of the population pursues higher education and may only feel ready to establish a family in their thirties.

Factors that generally reduce the age of marriage includes:

• Serious consequences from having children before/outside marriage,
• Arranged marriages, or family pressure to marry early,
• The wish or need to establish a family early,

Conversely, other factors pull towards later marriage:

• A desire to complete education prior to establishing a family,
• Career ambitions
• The need for financial stability or wealth, prior to marriage

Various studies have been made regarding the impact of early or late marriage on factors such as lifetime income, career development, family size, divorce rates, among others. At the bottom of this article, we link to several relevant sources which can help you learn more on this topic.

Also see our separate article, containing date on average age of marriage for men.

Reasons for Marriage in Africa

Why Jamaicans marry so late

Economic Benefits of late marriage

Impact of Marriage trends on fertility

The Effect of Age at First Marriage on Career Development and Wages

Late Marriage and Its Consequences

Child Marriage global portal

Early Child Marriage and Future Poverty

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