2024 statistics paint a complex picture of relationships in the Dominican Republic, showcasing both the enduring appeal of marriage and the increasing reality of its dissolution.
The institution of marriage remains a cornerstone of Dominican society, with official figures revealing a robust 44,349 unions celebrated across the nation in 2024, El Dia reports. However, the latest data from the National Statistics Office (ONE) also highlights a significant number of marital dissolutions, with 26,210 divorces finalized within the same period.
Marriage, defined as the social, legal, and often religious union of two individuals for a shared life, grants couples a range of rights and duties, including inheritance, social security, and parental authority.
Of the total marriages recorded, the vast majority—39,661—were civil ceremonies. Additionally, 2,556 canonical marriages (unions recognized by the Catholic Church with civil effects) and 2,132 marriages performed by other religious denominations were registered. A smaller number, 372 were not officially declared with the civil registry.
December continues to be the most popular month for tying the knot, with 4,663 weddings taking place. Civil ceremonies led the way, accounting for 8% of all recorded nuptials during the year. Conversely, October saw the fewest marriages, with only 3,039, including 2,750 civil unions.
The Ozama Region, encompassing Santo Domingo and the National District, emerged as the epicenter of marital activity, hosting 16,474 weddings. This represents approximately 37.1% of the national total. Specifically, the National District recorded 5,944 marriages, while Santo Domingo reported 10,530.
In stark contrast, the southwestern Enriquillo Region reported the lowest number of marriages in 2024, with a mere 1,194. Within this region, Pedernales province saw the fewest unions, with only 40, underscoring a significantly lower concentration of marriages in the country’s southwest.
While marriages flourished, divorces also presented a notable statistic. The ONE data reveals that 26,210 marriages ended in divorce during 2024. Divorce, a legal act dissolving a marriage and its associated rights and obligations, can occur for various reasons, though mutual consent remains the most common procedure.
July experienced the highest number of formalized separations, with 2,465 divorces. The National District led in marital dissolutions, with 7,277 divorces, followed by Santiago de los Caballeros with 4,760, and Santo Domingo with 1,713.
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El Dia
29 July 2025