Demographic Shifts in Tunisia: A Notable Decline in Population Growth Rate
Anis Delhomoumi, a mission officer at the Ministry of Women's Affairs, confirmed a significant decrease in the demographic growth rate, dropping from 1.04% in 2014 to 0.87% in 2024. He also highlighted the ongoing decline in the fertility rate, which reached 1.7 in 2022.
Changes in Family Structure
The demographic and population transformations have also led to a change in family structure, shifting from extended families to nuclear families, with an average size of 3.45 people in 2024, compared to 4.05 in 2014.
Key Statistics
- The percentage of children under four years old has decreased to 5.86%, compared to 11% in 1994.
- The proportion of elderly individuals has increased, with the 15-59 age group decreasing to 60.3%, while the 60+ age group has increased to approximately 16.9% in 2024.
- The average age at first marriage has also increased, reaching 35.3 years for men and 28.9 years for women, compared to 27.1 years for men and 20.9 years for women in 1966.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
This decline is attributed to several economic factors, including the rising cost of marriage and living, as well as the choice of some individuals to complete their university education before getting married. The number of marriages has also decreased by an average of 3.95% per year between 2015 and 2022, and the marriage rate has dropped from 19.4 in 2015 to 13.3 in 2022.
Impact on Family Structure and Social Cohesion
Mr. Delhomoumi stated that these demographic changes clearly affect the structure of the Tunisian family and social cohesion. Therefore, the Ministry of Family has accelerated the development of a comprehensive executive plan for preparing and qualifying individuals for married life, aiming to prepare young people and provide them with the essential elements for a stable and balanced couple life.
The Executive Plan
The plan is based on integrated components, including awareness, training, guidance, support, and accompaniment. It targets broad categories, including young people preparing for marriage and young families. Its primary objective is to promote a culture of effective communication and equip couples with the necessary skills to manage disagreements and resolve problems, ensuring the unity and stability of the family.
