Balkan youth increasingly delay marriage
Young people across the Balkans are increasingly postponing marriage, with first marriages now commonly taking place in the late 20s and early 30s, according to recent data.
Marriage was more common in the early 20s several decades ago, but longer periods of education, career ambitions and delayed financial independence are contributing to a shift in family patterns across the region.
Marriage age varies across the region
Among the Balkan countries examined, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains among those with the lowest average marriage ages. Data from the country's Agency for Statistics show that men marry at an average age of 30, while women marry at 27.3.
In North Macedonia, the average age at first marriage is 27.5 for women and 30.2 for men, according to the State Statistical Office.
Women in Montenegro marry at an average age of 28, compared with 31 for men. In Albania, the average age at first marriage is 27.8 for women and 31.2 for men.
In Kosovo, men generally marry at 31-32 and women at around 28, with data indicating that marriage ages have increased compared with previous years.
Croatia and Serbia record higher ages
Marriage is generally taking place later in Croatia and Serbia.
In Croatia, men marry at around 32 and women at 30. Serbia records some of the highest average ages in the region, at 34.4 for men and 31.4 for women.
The figures reflect a broader demographic shift in the Balkans, where young adults are increasingly delaying family formation compared with previous generations.
Education and economic independence shape decisions
In earlier decades, particularly during the 1980s, social structures and prevailing family expectations encouraged young people to become independent and establish families at younger ages.
Today, longer education, career development and the later achievement of financial independence are among the factors contributing to delayed marriage.
Many young people are choosing to establish themselves professionally and improve their financial circumstances before starting a family.
United Nations data also indicate a relationship between economic conditions and marriage age, although economic factors are not the only influence. Social and cultural norms continue to play an important role in decisions about marriage.
Globally, men tend to marry later than women, with the average age gap between the two standing at about 3.7 years.
Source:TRT Balkan
