The marriage rates are declining. In some Western European countries the majority of young people choose cohabitation rather than marriage. These arrangements are often childless and may last for some years. Since the 1970's there has been a sharp rise in the number of children born outside marriage. The fragile relationship of cohabitation coincides with higher rates of divorce.
Statistics show more single-person households.
The average age at which women marry has risen steadily. Moreover women postpone childbearing. This means that it takes longer for the replacement of the generations. The most important demographic phenomenon in Europe, which is of concern to all demographers, is the smaller base of younger people that must support an ever-growing number of aged persons. Due to higher levels of prosperity, emigration to countries outside Europe has slowed down generally.