Statistics on Child Marriage

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The practice has gradually diminished over the years, but is still widespread in many parts of the world. 36 per cent of women aged 20-24 were married or in union before they reached 18 years of age.

Here are some graphs:

Percentage of women aged 20-24 who were married or in union before age 18 (1987-2006):

More than 60% of women were married before they reached the age of 18 in five countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and in Bangladesh.

Percentage of women aged 20-24 who were married or in union before age 18, by wealth index quintile (1987-2006):

Child marriage is more likely in poor families.

Number of women aged 20-24 who were married or in union before age 18, by region (2006):

(source)

More on children’s rights.