More young people in Moldova are delaying marriage
The number of registered marriages in the Republic of Moldova is declining. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that, during 2024, 14.8 thousand marriages were solemnized, which is 6% fewer than in 2023.
In 2024, most men getting married were between 25 and 29 years old, while most women were between 20 and 24. The average age at first marriage for men was 30 years, and for women, 27 years.
Men tend to marry later due to an extended adolescence and young adulthood, as well as a desire to invest more time in their careers and personal development, explains psychologist Emilia Vorobiov. She notes that this issue is complex and lacks a single explanation. Often, the avoidance of stable relationships stems from defense mechanisms developed in childhood, particularly when there was a lack of an emotionally supportive adult figure.
Women are becoming mothers later
The average age of mothers at their first childbirth is also rising. In 2025, it was 26.7 years, compared to 25.6 years in 2024. Women typically marry earlier than men and bear children sooner because societal expectations encourage them to find fulfilment primarily through the roles of wife and mother.
"Traditional norms and internalised gender roles suggest that a woman can only achieve fulfilment through marriage or motherhood. This indicates we're not just discussing women's free choices, but also decisions influenced by upbringing and culture," adds psychologist Emilia Vorobiov in an interview with Teleradio-Moldova.
Reasons for avoiding or postponing marriage
The trend of postponing or avoiding marriage is becoming increasingly common among younger generations. Experts attribute this behavior to several factors, including the prioritization of career advancement and the desire for financial stability before entering marriage.
Other reasons may include observing unstable relationship models within families and a shift in perceptions of marriage and cohabitation.
"Challenges in finding a partner due to unrealistic expectations set by social media, intolerance toward frustration—where conflicts lead to breakups—and a comfort in solitude also contribute to this trend", says Emilia Vorobiov.
It's noteworthy that the Republic of Moldova ranks sixth in the world for divorces per thousand inhabitants. In 2024, over 9,500 divorces were registered, with the average age of divorcing spouses being 41.5 years for men and 38.4 years for women.
The highest divorce rate was among couples married for less than 5 years, at 25.5%, followed by those married for 10 to 14 years, at 23.5%. The average duration of marriages that ended in divorce was 11.9 years.
Author; Valeria Cîrjeu, intern
