Early Marriage Among Women in Developing Countries

This study examines trends in first marriage consensual unions and cohabiting unions among adolescents. Data were obtained for 40 countries from Demographic and Health Surveys. Marriage timing was grouped for the proportion of all women aged 20-24 years who married by ages 15 18 and 20 years. Women were most likely to marry at young ages in sub-Saharan Africa. 60-92% of women aged 20-24 years married by age 20. High proportions of early marriage were found in Bangladesh Guatemala India and Yemen. In developing countries other than sub-Saharan African countries marriages before the age of 18 years ranged between 20% and 33%. Marriages before the age of 20 years ranged between 33% and 50%. In developed countries such as France…