In this article, we will discuss the 30 countries with the largest percentage of young population. You can skip our detailed discussion of a young population and see the 5 Countries With the Largest Percentage of Young Population.
Is the Younger Population an Asset for Society?
Globally, the youth (aged 15-24) represents a considerably large workforce set to enter different industries. Their dynamism and adaptability make them particularly well-suited to capitalize on emerging technologies and spearhead entrepreneurial ventures. In countries with a higher proportion of young people, such as India where 28% of the population is between 10-24 years, this demographic can be harnessed to boost productivity and economic expansion.
Furthermore, young workers bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to adopt new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). A PwC survey reported that 70% of young people aged 18-25 see AI as an opportunity to expand their capabilities. This tech-savvy generation is important as industries increasingly integrate AI to enhance efficiency and innovation. For instance, sectors utilizing AI are experiencing productivity growth five times faster than those that are not. Lastly, the energy and resilience of young workers contribute to a more vibrant and innovative work environment.
Despite their strengths, it is also true that the Gen Z workforce is often criticized for being difficult to manage, and is perceived as challenging by 45% of hiring managers, according to Resume Genius’s 2024 Gen Z Workers Report. This perspective also echoes previous concerns older generations had about Millennials. Despite such skepticism, it’s essential to recognize that Gen Z brings unique strengths and fresh perspectives to the workplace.
Gen Z employees are digital natives as they are naturally adept at navigating the internet and new technologies. McKinsey & Company also confirmed their proficiency in areas like social media, coding, and cloud computing. Moreover, 67% of Gen Z individuals tend to focus on the importance of building a personal brand, with 61% actively engaged in or interested in developing one.
READ ALSO 20 Countries with Highest Indian Population in the World and 10 Countries with the Youngest Population in Africa.
Africa – The Continent of the Young
Approximately 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under the age of 30. According to the United Nations, by 2055, the global population is expected to reach 10 billion and Africa will contribute almost 57% of this growth—amounting to about 1.4 billion people.
The young population in Africa is set to double by 2050, with those under 25 making up about 60% of the continent’s population. This is important given that 62% of Africa’s population will fall within the working-age range of 15 to 64. The continent’s median age is projected to remain around 25 years well into the 22nd century. By 2063, young Africans are expected to constitute half the continent’s 2 billion working-age individuals.
Despite facing educational gaps and limited access to technology, Africa’s youth are driving innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2023 alone, venture capital investment in African tech startups reached $2.4 billion.
Speaking of the young, it is worth noting that Lithuania is known to be the happiest country in the world for the young population.
How are the Big Companies Training the Young in Africa?
Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has announced plans to train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills. As part of this initiative, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) will provide a grant of 1.2 billion naira ($1.6 million) to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to create one million digital jobs. The training will be facilitated through a partnership with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa.
Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, stated that the company would not only provide digital skills training but also support the growth of startups, thereby creating more job opportunities.
On the other hand, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is uplifting the youth in Africa, particularly through its R1.3 billion ($72 million) investment in South Africa. This idea is geared towards empowering Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and fostering youth employment. By aligning with 18 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is enhancing the educational landscape for over 2,000 students.
Moreover, the investment is designed to address the current skills gap and prepare the youth for the jobs of the future. Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) aims to equip 200 SMMEs and over 2,000 individuals with cutting-edge skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Moreover, the initiative supports up to 20 research and development projects that tackle pressing policy needs in cybersecurity and AI.
While we acknowledge the potential of Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Our Methodology
To identify the countries with the largest percentage of young population, we used the World Bank’s 2023 data on the population ages 0-14 (% of the total population). However, since multiple countries had similar percentages, we applied a tie-breaker based on their overall population and hence, ranked countries higher with a greater population. The list is presented in ascending order.
Most of the population data we’ve discussed in the list, for example, the percentage of people under 25 or 30, comes from the UN.
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30. Guinea Bissau
Population (Ages 0-14): 40%
Total Population (in thousands): 2150.84
While Guinea Bissau is one of the countries with the youngest population in 2023, there are severe issues that the young population faces in the country. As of 2021, World Bank figures show that 5.8% of the population has at least one school-age child not enrolled in school, while 44.1% of adults have not completed primary education. SOS Children’s Villages estimates that 75% of children lack access to housing, clean water, or education.
29. Liberia
Population (Ages 0-14): 40%
Total Population (in thousands): 5418.38
Liberia’s Youth Opportunities Project empowers vulnerable youth by increasing their income-generating potential through life and business skills training, agro-inputs, and labor subsidies for communal farming. By December 2019, over 10,000 youth, which included a high number of women, benefitted from the project, per World Bank figures.
28. Togo
Population (Ages 0-14): 40%
Total Population (in thousands): 9053.80
With 40% of the population aged between 0 and 14 in Togo, it ranks 28th in our list of the countries with the largest percentage of the young population.
27. Zimbabwe
Population (Ages 0-14): 40%
Total Population (in thousands): 16,665.41
With 40% of the population aged between 0 and 14 in Zimbabwe, it ranks 27th in our list of the countries with the largest percentage of the young population. The total population of Zimbabwe stands at 16,655.41 (in thousands).
26. Mauritania
Population (Ages 0-14): 41%
Total Population (in thousands): 4862.99
Mauritania has a predominantly young population, with over 60% (61.3% in 2020) being under the age of 25.
25. Republic of the Congo
Population (Ages 0-14): 41%
Total Population (in thousands): 6106.87
Like many African countries, Congo has a rapidly expanding and relatively young population, with one of the world’s highest birth rates and nearly 40% of its citizens under the age of 15.
24. Guinea
Population (Ages 0-14): 41%
Total Population (in thousands): 14,190
Guinea is one of the countries with the greatest proportion of young people. It has a population of about 14 million people and 90% of them are Muslims.
23. Senegal
Population (Ages 0-14): 41%
Total Population (in thousands): 17,763.16
Senegal has a youthful population, with an average age of 22 years. Since 2010, Senegal’s youth development index scores have improved by at least 10%. This improvement is attributed to increased secondary school enrollment and literacy rates, along with a reduction in adolescent fertility and youth mortality rates.
22. Ivory Coast
Population (Ages 0-14): 41%
Total Population (in thousands): 28,873
The results of the 5th General Population and Housing Census (RGPH 2021), released in 2022, confirmed that 49% of the total population of Cote D’Ivoire was under the age of 20.
21. Sudan
Population (Ages 0-14): 41%
Total Population (in thousands): 48,109
The population of Sudan is quite young as 64% fall under the age of 30 and hence, equate to approximately 31 million people. This demographic trend has profound political, social, and economic implications. The youth’s demand for better services, employment, healthcare, and education is likely to persist which will influence Sudan’s domestic politics and fuel socio-economic grievances that sparked the 2019 revolution.
20. Benin
Population (Ages 0-14): 42%
Total Population (in thousands): 13,712.83
Benin is one of the countries with the largest youth population in the world in 2023. It is a lower-middle-income country with a population of 13.7 million that has a GDP of $17.1 billion. It has a young demographic as two-thirds of the population falls under the age of 25.
19. Zambia
Population (Ages 0-14): 42%
Total Population (in thousands): 20,569.74
Fhi360.org notes that Zambia has over 70% of its population under 30. The country can capitalize on its youth by enhancing their participation in governance and economic development. By implementing policies that ensure a fixed proportion of youth representation in decision-making bodies and focusing on skill development through updated curricula and vocational training, Zambia can address its high youth unemployment.
18. Malawi
Population (Ages 0-14): 42%
Total Population (in thousands): 20,931.75
In Malawi, over 51% of the population is aged 18 or younger according to the UN. This young majority faces challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and limited access to education.
17. Cameroon
Population (Ages 0-14): 42%
Total Population (in thousands): 28,647
While Cameroon is one of the countries with the highest young population, it is also facing an escalating brain drain as over 6,000 teachers, doctors, and nurses have left public service in just three months.
16. Gambia
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 2773.17
With 43% of the population aged between 0 and 14 in Gambia, it ranks 16th in our list of the countries with the largest percentage of the young population.
15. South Sudan
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 11,088.80
The pervasive conflict and human rights abuses in South Sudan severely limit educational and economic opportunities for young people. Many are recruited into armed groups, and the lack of security disrupts schooling and community stability.
14. Burkina Faso
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 23,351.49
Burkina Faso is one of the countries with the youngest population in the world. In 2019, 44.2% of its people were under 15 years old. The median age in the country was 17.5 years, which is close to the average median age of 17.9 years for Africa’s low-income economies.
13. Mozambique
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 33,897.35
Mozambique has one of the world’s youngest populations, with over half (56.1%) of its people aged 19 and under. The total population of the country stands at approximately 33.9 million.
12. Afghanistan
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 42,239.85
With 43% of the population below the age of 15, children in Afghanistan are exposed to extreme violence, including military recruitment and dangerous labor. One-third of Afghan girls marry before age 18, often due to economic pressure, while 75% of children aged 2-14 endure violent discipline at home. Over 2.7 million Afghans have migrated in the last decade and many children flee in search of safety, sometimes, only to face risks of exploitation and trafficking.
11. Tanzania
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 67,438.11
With 28 million people under 25 in Tanzania, the country has one of the youngest demographics globally. This huge young population is expected to push Tanzania’s population to 137 million by 2050. Harnessing this young workforce could largely boost the economy if educational and job opportunities are enhanced. Currently, around 70% of Tanzania’s population lives in rural areas, and despite high primary school enrollment (94%), only 17% are involved in community decision-making.
10. Nigeria
Population (Ages 0-14): 43%
Total Population (in thousands): 223,804.63
Nigeria is the country with the largest youth population, with a median age of 18.1 years. Approximately 70% of its population is under 30, and 43% are under 15.
9. Uganda
Population (Ages 0-14): 44%
Total Population (in thousands): 48,582.33
With 44% of the population aged between 0 and 14 in Uganda, it ranks 9th in our list of the countries with the largest percentage of the young population. In fact, Niger and Uganda were two of the countries with the largest percentage of young populations in 2020.
8. Burundi
Population (Ages 0-14): 45%
Total Population (in thousands): 13,328.56
According to UNICEF (2022), Burundi has one of the world’s youngest populations, with 49% of its people aged 18 or younger. Of these, 23% are between 10 and 19 years old. Additionally, Burundi is one of the poorest countries, with 65% of its population living below the national poverty line, and it has one of the highest proportions of rural residents as 90% population lives in rural areas.
7. Angola
Population (Ages 0-14): 45%
Total Population (in thousands): 36,684.20
Angola is one of the top 10 youngest population countries in the world and 66% of its population is under 25. Only 2.2% of the population is 65 or older. Moreover, one in three Angolans is an adolescent or young adult aged 10 to 24 years.
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Population (Ages 0-14): 47%
Total Population (in thousands): 6106.87
Eastern DRC is one of the most dangerous regions for children, as conflicts severely deteriorate healthcare for 9 million people. Women and children suffer most as they have limited access to essential medical services.
5. Somalia
Population (Ages 0-14): 47%
Total Population (in thousands): 18,143.38
Somalia has undoubtedly one of the greatest proportions of a young population but children in Somalia face severe forms of child labour such as involvement in armed conflict and hazardous street work. Somali legislation does not adequately address criminal issues related to child labour trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, or the recruitment of children by non-state armed groups.
4. Chad
Population (Ages 0-14): 47%
Total Population (in thousands): 18,278.57
Chad is a youthful country as 65% of its population is under the age of 25 and has a median age of 16.8 years. Chad was also one of the countries with the largest percentage of young population in 2021.
3. Mali
Population (Ages 0-14): 47%
Total Population (in thousands): 23,393
According to the 5th General Census of Population and Housing conducted in April 2024, 79.20% of Malians are under the age of 35. Mali is also one of the countries with the lowest median age in the world.
2. Central African Republic
Population (Ages 0-14): 48%
Total Population (in thousands): 5742.31
Nearly 1 in 2 children in Central African Republic lack access to health services, and only about 37% attend school regularly. Additionally, approximately 61% of young women are married before 18, and almost 40% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition.
1. Niger
Population (Ages 0-14): 49%
Total Population (in thousands): 27,202
With 49% of the population aged between 0 and 14 in Niger, it is the country with the largest percentage of the young population in the world. The total population of the country stands at 27,202,843.
While children in Niger face severe challenges across multiple dimensions. With a population of 27.2 million, 58.2% are under 18, and nearly half live in poverty. The country has one of the highest child mortality rates globally, with serious issues like malnutrition, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare contributing to high mortality among under-fives. Only 8% of children are enrolled in preschool, and birth registration reaches just 60% of children, leaving many vulnerable.
Education is also a major hurdle, as 20% of children do not complete primary school, and 93% of students in grades 2 and 5 struggle with basic literacy and math. Adolescents, particularly girls, face early marriage and limited educational opportunities as 76% are married before 18 and 26.9% of girls are literate. The situation is compounded by ongoing crises such as malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and the influx of refugees.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Countries With the Largest Percentage of Young Population was originally published at Insider Monkey.