Divorce Rates and Their Impact on Fertility Rates in Urban and Rural Areas of Al-Marj Region During the Period (1973–2022)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the trends in divorce rates in the Al-Marj region during the period (1973–2022), highlighting the differences between urban and rural areas and their demographic implications and relationship with fertility. The study relies on population census data and civil registry records to analyze crude divorce rates and general divorce rates by tracking changes across different census periods.

The results show a clear disparity between the two environments, with urban areas recording higher divorce rates than rural areas throughout the study period. Divorce rates were also characterized by fluctuations, declining during the period (1984–2006) before rising again during (2017–2022).

The study indicates that these changes are associated with social and economic transformations such as changing lifestyles and rising living costs, while strong social ties in rural areas helped limit the increase in divorce rates compared to urban areas, reflecting the impact of divorce on family stability and fertility levels.