Differential Nuptiality and Fertility in the Länder of the Austrian Empire (1828–1865)

Abstract

We examine different aspects of nuptiality and fertility in the Länder of the Austrian Empire using the Tafeln zur Statistik der Österreichischen Monarchie (Statistical Tables of the Austrian Monarchy). This source, published from 1829 to 1871, contains data on population and natural movement. After discussing its quality, we study marriage and birth rates, and also age at wedding, illegitimacy ratio, and marital fertility. We find meaningful differences between the regions of Empire: low and late nuptiality in some central Länder, which generally have consequences for birth rates. The frequency of illegitimacy and marital fertility rates are also examined for the 15 Länder.