SINGAPORE — The marriage scene in Singapore experienced a notable shift in 2024, with registrations dropping by 7% compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) revealed that 26,328 weddings took place last year, down from 28,310 in 2023. Once a post-pandemic high, the number of marriages is significantly lower than the record 29,389 in 2022.
Decline Across Age Groups
The decline in marriages wasn’t confined to a specific demographic; it was observed across nearly all age groups. The most significant drops were among grooms and brides aged 25 to 34:
- Brides aged 25 to 29: decreased by 988
- Brides aged 30 to 34: decreased by 506
- Grooms aged 25 to 29: decreased by 758
- Grooms aged 30 to 34: decreased by 583
According to Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, the decisions surrounding marriage are personal. He added that Singapore can enhance support for couples considering starting a family.
Divorce Trends: An Increase
As marriage numbers fell, so did the rates of marital stability. In 2024, there was a 3.7% rise in divorces and annulments, with 7,382 dissolutions reported compared to 7,118 in 2023. However, the average rate of marital dissolutions has stabilised, showing a downward trend from previous years.
Changing Norms Regarding Parenthood
Interestingly, couples are also delaying parenthood. The median age for first-time fathers rose to 33.6 years, while first-time mothers averaged 31.9 years. This shift correlates with Singapore’s total fertility rate, which remained at a record low of 0.97 for the second consecutive year.
Improved Support Systems
The report also highlighted enhancements in family support systems:
- Full-day infant care places rose from 5,628 in 2014 to 16,207 in 2024.
- Childcare enrolment for three to four-year-olds increased from 76% in 2014 to 90% in 2024.
- 84.3% of parents reported moderate to high family resilience scores, indicating strong support networks and adaptability among families.
Overall, while marriage numbers may be declining, the focus on family support and resilience has strengthened, ensuring a supportive environment for families across Singapore.