Global data support these gendered patterns. A 2022 study analyzing information from 130 countries found that, on average, men are about 4.2 years older than their female partners. Yet, the degree of age difference varies dramatically by region. In North America, men are typically 2.2 years older, while in Europe the gap averages 2.7 years. In contrast, more traditional societies such as Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Gambia report much larger age gaps of 8.7, 11.8, and even 14.8 years respectively. Cultural expectations, economic structures, and gender roles all shape these variations.
