In Greenland, marriage is not an age restriction, but a matter of personal choice. Having children first and then marrying later is common. Let's find out how old women get married and what the fertility rate is.
Former US President Donald Trump has made a significant statement regarding Greenland. According to Trump, the Greenland Framework Agreement with NATO has granted the United States complete freedom to operate in this Arctic region. He described this agreement as highly flexible and in favor of American interests. Trump stated that this agreement gives the United States complete freedom to make decisions and take actions based on its needs. In this context, let's explore the age at which Greenlandic women marry and their fertility rates.
Greenland is an autonomous territory under Denmark and socially resembles the culture of the Nordic countries. Marriage is not considered a mandatory stage of life here. Many people live together for a long time, have children, but legal marriage occurs later or sometimes not at all.
This is why the average age of marriage here is much higher than in many countries around the world. According to statistics, the average age of marriage for women in Greenland is approximately 32.9 years. This figure is based on data from around 2018 and has seen an increase over time
Looking back, in 1980, women married at an average age of 22 to 23. By 2010, this age had risen to around 26.5 years, and now it has surpassed 30. This shift reflects a major change in societal thinking.
In Greenland, it's common for women to become mothers before marriage. The average age for first-time mothers is around 25 years old. Many couples start their families with a child and then marry later, if necessary.
This is neither considered wrong nor unusual in society. In Greenland and Denmark, the minimum legal age for marriage is 18. Under certain circumstances, a lower age may be permitted, but this is rare.
The legal age of consent is set at 15, which is in line with the laws of Nordic countries. Greenland once had one of the highest fertility rates in the world. Around the 1970s, the number of children per woman was quite high, but this rate declined sharply over time.
After 2010, this rate stabilized at around 2.1, or near replacement level. According to recent data, Greenland's fertility rate has now fallen below 2.0. In the early 2020s, it hovered around 1.9 children per woman. In 2021, it was recorded at around 1.92, while some data indicate 1.91 or even lower in 2023.
Within a few years, it dropped to 1.77, considered an all-time low. There are several reasons behind the declining fertility rate in Greenland. The growing trend towards cities, women prioritizing education and careers, improved healthcare facilities, and awareness of family planning are major factors. Women living in the capital and urban areas are making more informed decisions about marriage and children.
PC:ABPNews
