Changing Marriage Trends in Kazakhstan: Older Ages and Regional Differences
April 15 in Kazakhstan: Trends in Marriage and Family Life
In Kazakhstan, April 15 is not just any ordinary day. It is celebrated as Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan Sulu Day, a holiday that symbolizes true love and is often seen as an alternative to Valentine’s Day. On this day, people in Kazakhstan come together to celebrate love and relationships.
A study conducted by Shynar Toleshova, a leading expert at the Kazakh Institute of Economic Research, has shed light on changing trends in marriage and family life in the country. According to the study, there have been significant shifts in marital patterns over the past few years.
One of the key findings of the study is the decrease in first marriages and an increase in remarriages among men and women in Kazakhstan. The proportion of men remarrying has increased from 15.4% to 20.8%, while for women, it has grown from 13.5% to 19.4%. This trend mirrors broader global patterns of marriage and family formation.
The study also highlights a noticeable rise in marriages among older individuals, with the percentage of men aged 35-44 getting married increasing from 10.9% to 14.7%. The average age for first marriages has also gone up, with men marrying at 27.9 years and women at 25.2 years.
Geographically, there are differences in marriage patterns across different regions of Kazakhstan. People in the southern and western regions tend to marry at a younger age, while men in the northern regions marry later. The study also notes a decline in divorce rates and suggests that the pandemic may have brought couples closer together, as indicated by an increase in births in 2021 compared to the previous year.
Overall, the study by Shynar Toleshova provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of marriage and family life in Kazakhstan. As the country continues to undergo social and cultural changes, understanding these trends is essential for policymakers and researchers alike.
