The Dominican Republic is witnessing a troubling trend: a steady increase in divorces while marriages decline, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, as National Office of Statistics (ONE) data reveals. The higher divorce rates are primarily attributed to financial strain.
According to data from the National Office of Statistics (ONE), in 2024, there were 44,349 recorded marriages and 26,210 divorces in the country. This marks a significant shift from pre-pandemic trends, where the divorce rate hovered around 40% to 50%. Since 2021, however, it has surpassed 60%, meaning six out of ten marriages end in divorce.
Listin Diario reports that while marriage rates have declined overall, with only 4.11 marriages per 1000 inhabitants in 2024, divorce rates are climbing. Urban areas of the National District (capital city), Santiago, that is the second largest city, boast the highest divorce rates per capita.
Meanwhile, certain provinces, like Monseñor Nouel (Bonao), Hermanas Mirabal (Nagua), and La Altagracia (Punta Cana and Higuey), buck the trend with higher marriage rates. Western provinces of Elías Piña, Pedernales, and San Juan de la Maguana have the lowest marriage rates.
The months of December, January, and July remain the most popular for weddings.
Among the possible explanations for the new trends is an increased social acceptance of divorce. The stigma surrounding divorce is fading, making it a more viable option for unhappy couples.
Likewise, there are changing perceptions of marriage. Younger generations may be less inclined to view marriage as a lifelong commitment, opting instead for alternative relationship structures.
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Listin Diario
2 June 2025