Rising Trend: Average Age of First-Time Mothers in Iran Reaches New Heights

In recent years, the average age of women giving birth in Iran has steadily increased, highlighting significant demographic shifts in the country. According to a report from the National Organization for Civil Registration, the average age of first-time mothers in Iran reached 27.6 years during the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year, which began on March 21. This figure marks a slight increase from the previous year, where the average was 27.5 years.

The report also revealed valuable insights regarding the ages of first-time fathers. The average age for fathers at the time of their first child’s birth was recorded at 32.3 years over the same five-month period. Notably, there are distinct differences between urban and rural areas:

• First-time mothers:
  • Urban areas: 28.3 years
  • Rural areas: 24.4 years
• First-time fathers:
  • Urban areas: 33.1 years
  • Rural areas: 30.7 years

During this same timeframe, a total of 272,238 marriages were registered across Iran. The average ages at first marriage were also reported:

• Women: 24.2 years
• Men: 28.3 years

Birth statistics provide further context to the country’s demographic changes. A total of 540,528 births were registered in the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year. The gender breakdown was as follows:

• Baby boys: 280,647
• Baby girls: 259,881

Of these births, 421,264 occurred in urban areas, while 119,264 were in rural regions, as reported by Mehr news agency. Additionally, the report noted that during this period, 11,169 multiple births were recorded:

• Twins: 10,806
• Triplets: 352
• Quadruplets: 11

Transition to an Aging Population

Experts caution that Iran is facing an inevitable transition to an aging population. The fertility rate has stabilized at around 1.6 children per woman, which falls significantly short of the replacement rate necessary to maintain a stable population. This trend indicates a shift from a predominantly young demographic to a more middle-aged society.

Reflecting on historical population policies, Mohammad-Javad Mahmoudi, an official with the National Institute for Population Research, noted that the first five-year national development plan (1989-1993) aimed to reduce the total fertility rate from 6.4 children in 1986 to 4 children by 2011. The plan also sought to decrease the population growth rate from 3.2 percent to 2.3 percent during the same period.

Mahmoudi pointed out that while these policies achieved a significant transformation in population indicators, they also resulted in a considerable decline in both the population growth and fertility rates, exceeding the initial targets set forth in the development plan.

Looking ahead, demographic projections indicate that by 2050, individuals aged 60 years or older will comprise approximately 32 percent of Iran’s total population. This significant increase in the elderly population will mean that one-third of Iran’s citizens will be classified as elderly, leading to profound implications for social services, healthcare, and economic stability.

In light of these trends, it is crucial for policymakers to address the challenges posed by an aging population while also considering strategies to encourage higher birth rates and support families. As Iran navigates these demographic transitions, understanding the implications of these shifts will be essential for planning and development in the coming decades.