We Must Address the Causes of Divorces, Ara Zohrapyan

The President of the Union, Ara Zohrapyan, wrote on his Facebook page: "We must understand and address the causes of divorces. The family is the natural and fundamental cell of society. A family is a miniature model of the state.

Statistical data on marriages and divorces is very concerning (the real picture is even bleaker). In 2009, there were 18,773 marriages and 2,829 divorces registered. This means that in 2009, the percentage of divorces compared to marriages was 15%.

In 2019, there were 15,561 marriages and 3,880 divorces registered. Thus, in 2019, the percentage of divorces compared to marriages was 25%. Compared to 2009, the number of marriages decreased by 3,212, while the number of divorces increased by 1,051. These figures must be combined, which gives us 4,263, meaning that over the course of one year, 4,263 families were not formed (did not remain established).

According to regions (marzes), the divorce statistics of 2019 are as follows:

1. The highest rate (1) is in Lori marz at 32%.
2. The lowest rate (11) is in Gegharkunik marz at 11%.
3. (2) In Yerevan: 29%, (3) in Shirak marz: 27.5%, (4) in Syunik marz: 24.5%, (5) in Kotayk marz: 24%, (6) in Ararat marz: 22%, (7) in Aragatsotn marz: 21%, (8) in Armavir marz: 19.6%, (9) in Tavush marz: 16.3%, (10) in Vayots Dzor marz: 14.5%.

The state must take measures to clarify the real reasons for divorces and determine what conditions lead to, for example, a high number of divorces in Lori marz, and what conditions ensure a low number of divorces in Gegharkunik marz.

Another interesting fact: I used to believe that the longer a married couple lives together, the stronger their marital bonds would be. Statistical data suggests the opposite. Among the 3,880 divorces in 2019, the distribution based on the duration of marriage is as follows:

1. Up to 1 year - 5%
2. 1-4 years - 20%
3. 5-9 years - 20.3%
4. 10-14 years - 16%
5. 15-19 years – 8.7%
6. 20 years and more - 30%

Demographic policies must be implemented in a way that affects both the increase in population and other demographic processes (promoting marriage and childbirth, uncovering the causes of divorce, limiting abortions, raising the standard of living, etc.). When we have strong families, we will have a strong state."