The advancement of vaccinations, antibiotics, and other medical advances has resulted in an aging global population.
However, certain nations still have disproportionately young populations, with as much as 50% of their people being under the age of 18. While some countries have an aging population, others have a relatively young population, each with its unique population profile.
Table of Contents
9 countries with the youngest population in the world
In this article, we will highlight nine countries with the youngest population in the world:
1. Niger
Statistics show that Niger, with a population of 56.9% people under the age of 18, has the largest proportion of people below the age of 18 in the world. With a population of over 24 million. This unequal distribution of age groups in Niger has been linked to the country’s cultural preference for larger families and an absence of access to contraceptives. For the record, a woman in Niger typically gives birth to 8 children.
Niger has the youngest population in the world, with more than half of its citizens being under the age of 18. This country has a high birth rate and a low life expectancy, which contributes to its youthful demographic profile.
2. Mali
Located in West Africa, Mali has a population of over 20 million and has a median age of just 17 years. This young population presents both opportunities and challenges for the country’s future development. In accordance with the 2021 End of Childhood Index, it’s also one of the hardest places in the world to be a teenager (Global Childhood Report 2021, 2021). The lives of children are characterized by extreme poverty, food shortages, malnutrition, gender-based violence, and early marriage.
3. Uganda
This East African country has a population of over 44 million and a median age of 18 years. With a high fertility rate, Uganda’s population is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. Upalso, the fact that Uganda has a very high youth unemployment rate just makes things worse. The expanding youth population with their unemployment would put tremendous strain on Uganda’s resources if things continue in this manner.
4. Burkina Faso
This West African country has a population of over 20 million and a median age of 18 years. With its youthful population, Burkina Faso still experience challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, as well as healthcare programs.
The annual population growth rate in Burkina Faso is more than twice as high as the global average. Over 25 percent of people are under the age of 15. Just over 60 years is the average life expectancy, which is slightly less than the world average but comparable to neighboring nations.
5. Somalia
This East African country has a population of over 15 million and a median age of 18 years. Despite its young population, Somalia faces significant challenges related to conflict, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.
According to the information that is currently available, Somalia contains the highest rates of youth unemployment in the world, and opportunities for participation in politics, the economy, and society are either very limited or nonexistent.
6. Democratic Republic of Congo
This central African country has a population of about 108 million and a median age of 18 years. Like many African nations, Congo has a young, rapidly expanding population: two-fifths of the inhabitants are below 15 years old, and the birth rate ranks among the highest in the world.
Despite having an abundance of natural resources, democratic republic of congo has endured decades of political unrest, poor infrastructure, corruption, and economic and colonial exploitation.
7. Zambia
Zambia is one of the youngest countries in the world and is undergoing a significant demographic transformation. Its demografics, which is primarily urban, is anticipated to be 18.9 million as of 2021 and is expanding quickly (2.9% annually), increasing the chance that it will double in size roughly every 25 years. As its large youth population reaches reproductive age, this tendency is anticipated to continue, increasing the need for jobs, healthcare, and other social welfare.
8. Chad
This central African country has a population of over 17 million and a median age of 18 years. Low levels of female education, women’s lack of agency over reproductive choices, and a lack of access to efficient family planning support are among the factors contributing to Chad’s high proportion of youth citizens.
The level of underdevelopment in the nation is shocking. only 8 percent of the populace has access to basic sanitation, and only around 6% of people have access to power.
9. Malawi
This southern African country has a population of over 19 million and a median age of 18 years. Despite its youthful population, Malawi faces significant challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. Therefore, For Malawi’s social economic development and the achievement of the demographic transition and Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), it is essential to guide the younger generation into a productive and healthy adulthood through the appropriate investments and legislative framework.
There’s always opportunities and challenges
These nine countries have a youthful population that presents both opportunities and challenges for their future development. To harness the potential of these young populations, it is important to invest in education, health, and other critical sectors to help build a brighter future for these countries and their citizens.
Read also: Where do people live longer? The countries with the highest life expectancy
