Marriage Age in Iran Has Increased by Four to Six Years

An official from the Ministry of Health announced that the marriage age in Iran has increased by four to six years over the past decade. This statistic was shared by the head of the Family Health, Population, and Schools Center of the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education in an interview with the IRNA news agency on Tuesday, October 4. Mohammad Ismail Motlaq stated that 'the marriage age in Iran has increased by four to six years in various provinces over the past decade, with the highest growth [six percent] in Tehran.' Mr. Motlaq attributed the news of declining marriage rates in Iran to media outlets that he described as 'hostile,' adding that only the marriage age has 'increased' in Iran. According to him, there are currently 'about 13 million unmarried and single individuals' in Iran, with 'almost half of them being girls and half boys.' This health official further noted that these individuals have 'passed the appropriate marriage age' due to the 'increase and rise in marriage age.' He indicated that the rising marriage age has led to 'increased depression and stress in society, as well as increased infertility and social problems.' The head of the Family Health, Population, and Schools Center also stated that to 'correct' family health indicators and promote appropriate population growth, efforts must be made to 'increase the motivation for marriage and the possibility of marriage for single individuals in the country.' He called for attention to the 'worrisome consequences' of declining marriage rates and their 'adverse individual and social effects,' away from 'political sidelining.' While this official denied the news of declining marriage rates in Iran, other officials and institutions have repeatedly warned about this issue and the rising divorce rates in the country. The Mehr news agency reported in January 2017, citing statistics from the Iranian Civil Registration Organization, that divorce rates have increased and marriage rates have decreased, stating that 20 divorces are registered in Iran every hour. On August 21 of this year, the head of Iran's Welfare Organization announced an increase in divorce rates among female heads of households, stating that in 2016, one divorce was registered for every four marriages. According to this organization's statistics, the divorce rate has significantly increased over the past decade compared to marriage rates in Iran. Iranian news agencies report that several experts identify economic factors as the most important reason for the decline in marriage and the increase in divorce rates in the country, while others consider lifestyle changes to be a significant factor in these phenomena. Habibollah Hasani, the head of the Association of Marriage and Divorce Registrars in Iran, stated on April 15 of this year that, in addition to economic and employment issues, factors such as haste in marriage, addiction, and family interference have also contributed to the increase in divorce rates in Iran.