TEHRAN Apr. 29 (Mehr News Agency) -- There was 8% increase in the country's marriage rate in 1386 (ended March 19, 2008), State Registration Organization of Deeds and Properties announced here on Tuesday.

A traditional wedding in Gooleh, Gilan in north Iran

There were 798,283 marriages recorded in 1386 showing an upward trend compared with the last year.

Iranian Wedding by Hassan Sarbakhsian

According to the figures, the divorce rate increased at the same time.

There were 910,483 divorces registered in 1386. There was a rise of %5 in the country's divorce rate, compared with the last year.