The average age of marriage varies from country to country. Here in an overview of when couples decide to make it to the altar.

In the United States, the average age of marriage is trending upward as Americans wait much longer before making the move. A delay of one decade has been recorded over the past century. In 1920, the average woman married at 21, whereas men married at 25. While men have historically married later than women, the age gap between the two genders is narrowing today.

In 1978, more than 59 percent of Americans aged 18 to 34 were married, compared to 29 percent in 2018. The number of people choosing to live together without being married is also increasing. The latest official statistics available show that in 2018, on average, women jump in at the age of 28; and men at the age of 30. No need to rush!

In Africa, according to a recent UNICEF report, 40 percent of women are married before their 18th birthday. Attempts to explain such precociousness include religious or cultural pretexts, obsession with virginity, the common idea that being legally married protects against sexual violence, the fear of unwanted pregnancies outside marriage, the desire to have children early. African women also marry early for economic reasons: parents living in poverty sometimes think it is profitable to get rid of the burden that their female children represent. 

As for Asian countries, the average age of marriage has continued to rise in recent years. The annual report on marriage published by the municipality shows that the average age of marriage was 33 for men and 30 for women in 2020.
Many young people confirmed to People's Daily— the largest newspaper group in China—that the ideal age for them to get married is between 30 and 35. Before their 30’s, their focus would be on building a professional career, earning more money, and traveling around the world.

In China, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, a growing number of young Chinese men and women express a negative image of marriage. Official statistics reveal that only 7.2 percent of Chinese couples were married in 2018; and this rate keeps decreasing.

Sources: Brides, people daily, Humanium, Filles Pas Epouses, People’s Daily