Median Age by Country 2024

The median age is an important demographic measure that represents the age at which half the population is younger, and the other half is older. It is a crucial indicator for understanding the population structure of a country and provides insights into its social and economic dynamics. Countries with higher median ages generally have aging populations, which can pose challenges like increased healthcare costs and a shrinking workforce. On the other hand, countries with lower median ages tend to have youthful populations with potential for rapid economic growth but may also face issues related to employment and education infrastructure.

The variation in median age by country is influenced by factors such as birth rates, life expectancy, healthcare quality, and migration patterns. Countries with high median ages often experience low birth rates and longer life expectancies, while nations with young populations tend to have high birth rates and shorter life expectancies. Understanding the median age in different countries helps policymakers address the needs of their populations effectively.

Top 10 Countries/Territories with the Oldest Populations

1. Holy See: 58.708
2. Monaco: 54.031
3. Saint Helena: 50.669
4. Japan: 49.383
5. Martinique: 49.283
6. San Marino: 48.048
7. Italy: 47.846
8. Guadeloupe: 46.929
9. Saint Pierre and Miquelon: 46.811
10. Hong Kong: 46.775

This list highlights countries and territories with the oldest populations, measured by median age. Holy See (Vatican City) tops the list, largely due to its small population of predominantly older residents. Monaco, known for its affluent residents and long life expectancy, comes in second. Japan, with its well-documented aging population, ranks fourth. This is due to its combination of high life expectancy and low birth rates, creating a significant demographic shift. Other European microstates, such as San Marino and Italy, also feature prominently, reflecting broader trends of aging in Europe.

The challenge for these countries with older populations often involves providing adequate healthcare, pensions, and other social services to a growing elderly demographic. Governments must also address potential labor shortages due to a shrinking working-age population. In contrast, the economies of these countries often benefit from higher productivity and wealth accumulation due to the long-standing workforce before this aging trend began.

Top 10 Countries with the Youngest Populations

1. Central African Republic: 14.382
2. Niger: 15.4
3. Somalia: 15.517
4. Mali: 15.595
5. Chad: 15.718
6. DR Congo: 15.784
7. Burundi: 16.14
8. Mozambique: 16.407
9. Angola: 16.531
10. Uganda: 16.702

In contrast to countries with older populations, the countries with the youngest populations are predominantly located in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Central African Republic has the youngest median age, followed closely by Niger, Somalia, and Mali. These nations typically experience high fertility rates and shorter life expectancies, leading to youthful populations. With a median age below 17, these countries are characterized by a large proportion of children and young adults, which can create both opportunities and challenges for future development.

Young populations offer the potential for a demographic dividend—economic growth spurred by a large working-age population. However, this requires significant investments in education, healthcare, and job creation to harness the energy and innovation of younger generations. Without these investments, countries may face high unemployment, underemployment, and social instability. These nations need robust development plans to ensure their young populations contribute to long-term growth and stability.

Full Table

FAQs

• Which country has the highest median age?
  • Holy See, with a median age of 58.7 years.

• What is the median age of Japan?
  • Japan has a median age of 49.4 years.

• Which country has the youngest median age?
  • Central African Republic, with a median age of 14.4 years.

Source

• United Nations Population Division
• World Bank Data