Nuptiality, or the marriage characteristics of a population, varies significantly across Nepal, influenced by demographic, social, and economic factors. While the median age at first marriage has generally been on the rise, stark differences persist based on age, ecological region, residence, and province.
Age at Marriage
The median age at first marriage in Nepal is a critical indicator of nuptiality trends. A recent Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) found that the median age for women aged 25-49 was around 18.3 years. However, a significant portion of the female population, particularly in certain age cohorts, marries much earlier. Approximately 25% of women in the 25-49 age group married before the age of 15, and 47% were married by the age of 18, the current legal marriage age for women. Men, on the other hand, tend to marry later.
| Demographic Group | Median Age at First Marriage (Women aged 25-49) |
| National | 18.3 years |
| Married before age 15 | 25% |
| Married before age 18 | 47% |
The legal age for marriage in Nepal is 20 for both men and women, with or without parental consent, but child marriage remains a widespread practice, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
Ecological Region
Nepal is divided into three main ecological belts: the Mountain, Hill, and Terai regions. Nuptiality patterns differ considerably among these regions.
- Terai Region: This region, which is the southern plains of Nepal, has the highest prevalence of child marriage. Early marriage is deeply rooted in the distinct sociocultural norms of certain communities, such as those of Madhesi and Muslim backgrounds. The Terai has the highest percentage of girls marrying before the age of 18. Dowry systems are also more common here, contributing to the pressure for early marriages.
- Mountain and Hill Regions: In contrast, the Mountain and Hill regions generally have a higher age at first marriage. This is often attributed to different cultural practices, better access to education, and lower rates of poverty compared to some of the most vulnerable communities in the Terai. While child marriage still occurs, it is less prevalent than in the southern plains.
Residence
A person’s place of residence, whether urban or rural, plays a significant role in their age at marriage.
- Rural Areas: Women and men living in rural areas are more likely to be married before the age of 18. This is often linked to lower levels of education, limited economic opportunities, and the persistence of traditional social norms that favor early marriage.
- Urban Areas: Individuals in urban areas generally have a higher age at marriage. This trend is driven by increased access to and enrollment in education, greater economic independence, and changing social values that place a higher emphasis on individual choice and career development before marriage.
Province
Nuptiality characteristics also show significant disparities across the provinces of Nepal.
| Province | Women married before age 18 (%) | Men married before age 18 (%) |
| Province 2 | 53% | 18% |
| Karnali Province | 48% | 25% |
| Sudurpashchim Province | 45% | 21% |
| Lumbini Province | 40% | 16% |
| Gandaki Province | 41% | 10% |
| Bagmati Province | 28% | 10% |
| Province 1 | 31% | 10% |
The data from the NDHS shows that Province 2 has the highest prevalence of child marriage for women, with over half of women aged 20-24 having been married before their 18th birthday. Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces also have very high rates for both women and men. Conversely, Bagmati Province, which includes the capital city of Kathmandu, has the lowest prevalence of child marriage for both men and women, reflecting its higher levels of urbanization, education, and economic development. These provincial differences highlight the complex interplay of cultural norms, geography, and socio-economic factors in shaping nuptiality patterns in Nepal.
