Marriage and Divorce Rates Declining in Serbia: A New Demographic Reality

Recent data released by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia reveals a significant decline in marriage and divorce rates across the country. In 2025, the number of marriages in the country decreased by 3,2 percent compared to the previous year. In the same period, the decline in divorce rates was recorded at 4,4 percent. These figures indicate a steady weakening of interest in institutional marriage within Serbian society. Authorities state that they are closely examining the impact of this decline on the demographic structure.

A total of 29 thousand 402 marriages were registered across the country this year. This figure translates to 4,5 marriages per thousand people, painting a striking picture for a country with an increasingly aging population. The number of couples entering their first marriage was recorded at 24 thousand 309, marking a 2,8 percent decrease compared to the previous year. It is also notable that the age of marriage has increased for both genders. While the average age of grooms at the time of marriage rose to 34,4, the average age of brides was measured at 31,4.

When examining marriage dynamics in Serbia, it is observed that the vast majority of couples share the same nationality. This year, 82,5 percent (24 thousand 258) of marriages occurred between ethnically homogeneous couples. Furthermore, marriages where spouses have the same educational level (68,6 percent) constitute the most common group. The fact that economically active couples account for 73,9 percent (21 thousand 734) of marriages indicates that both spouses working has become the standard in the modern family. The fact that 90,8 percent of couples are citizens of Serbia confirms that marriages are largely of a permanent nature within the country's borders.

The downward trend in marriage rates is also reflected in divorce statistics. This year, 10 thousand 148 divorces took place across the country, corresponding to 1,5 divorces per thousand people. While the average age of men at the time of divorce was 45,6, the average age of women was recorded as 42,1. According to the data, the average duration of ending marriages is 13,9 years. This duration reveals that couples turn to legal separation when long-term partnerships do not yield results.

A detailed examination of divorce statistics highlights that families with children make up the largest share of separations. Out of the total divorces, 5 thousand 318 (52,4 percent) involve couples with children. It is noted that in approximately half of these divorces involving children (2 thousand 647), the couples have a single child. As an outcome of the legal processes, it is observed that custody is predominantly granted to women; in fact, in 65,6 percent (3 thousand 487) of divorces with children, custody was given to the mothers. These figures clearly reveal both the changes in family structures and the direction of social dynamics experienced after divorce.