News In Brief

1982 saw fewer divorces, more weddings and births

Americans married in record numbers in 1982, divorced less than they had for 20 years, and gave birth to more children than in 1981. The National Center for Health Statistics reported 2.5 million marriages, 1.2 million divorces, and 3.7 million children born last year.

Also, the marriage rate increased 2 percent from the previous year to 10.8 for every 1,000 Americans. The divorce rate was down nearly 4 percent to 5.1 divorces for every 1,000 Americans. The birth rate was measured at its highest level since 1971, with 16 births for every 1,000 Americans.