There have been a number of changes in the way Ticos see marriage. The census from this year compared to the one in 2010 shows this. The percentages of people getting married has decreased and the number separating or divorcing has increased.
Of all those who have been involved in a marriage, in 2019 half are still living in the relationship, 19.6% have separated or divorced, 7% are widowed, and 24% live in free unions.
From 2010-2019, the percent of those who at some point in their lives maintained a relationship of coexistence and then separated went from 7.6% to 12%. Those who divorced went from 6.3% to 7.6%. The percent of marriages decreased from 56% to 49%.
Ticos are much more likely to engage in a civil union now than in the past. In 1984, this type of relationship represented only 17% while it now represents 26.3%. This shows that Ticos are less likely to stay in a relationship that doesn’t work for them, regardless of tradition.
