It is no coincidence that the same countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East that have high rates of child marriage are those with:
•High poverty rates, birth rates and death rates
•Greater incidence of conflict and civil strife
•Lower levels of overall development, including schooling, employment, health care
The East Asian “Miracles” like Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand that have successfully eradicated the harmful traditional practice of child marriage are characterized by:
•Economic growth and opportunity
•Declines in birth and death rates
•Increase in educational and employment options for girls