Note 3-9

(9) The percentage of lifelong unmarried people is also on a rising trend. In 1980, the percentage stood at 2.6% for men and 4.5% for women but it rose to 12.6% for men and 5.8% for women in 2000. The percentage of lifelong unmarried men has been rising conspicuously since it exceeded the percentage of lifelong unmarried women in 1990.