In this article, we will present the 5 countries with the largest percentage of young population. You can read our detailed discussion and a more comprehensive list by visiting 30 Countries With the Largest Percentage of Young Population.
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.
To learn about other countries with the largest young population, you can check out our detailed report 30 Countries With the Largest Percentage of Young Population.
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