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| Continent | Under 15 years, in % | Over 65 years, in % |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 40 | 3 |
| Latin America / Caribbean | 23 | 9 |
| World | 25 | 10 |
| Asia | 23 | 10 |
| Oceania | 23 | 13 |
| North America | 18 | 17 |
| Europe | 16 | 19 |
- Region: Worldwide
- Time period: mid-2023
- Published: Dec 2023
Data Analysis and Insights
Africa has the youngest population
Africa stands out with the highest percentage of the population under 15 years, at 40%, indicating a significantly younger demographic compared to other regions. In contrast, the continent has the lowest percentage of the population over 65 years, at just 3%.Europe's population is the oldest
Europe has the oldest population among the regions listed, with 19% of its population over 65 years. The continent also has the lowest percentage of the population under 15 years, at 16%, highlighting a stark contrast in age distribution when compared to Africa.Latin America and Caribbean show balanced age distribution
The Latin America and Caribbean region exhibits a more balanced age distribution with 23% of the population under 15 years and 9% over 65 years, illustrating a demographic structure that sits between the youthful African profile and the aged European profile.North America has a high percentage of older adults
North America features a significant percentage of the population over 65 years, at 17%, surpassed only by Europe. The region also shows a relatively low percentage of the population under 15 years, at 18%, indicating a tendency towards an aging population.Asia and Oceania have similar youth percentages but differ in older demographics
Asia and Oceania both report 23% of their populations under 15 years, aligning them closely with the global youth demographic. However, they diverge in their older populations, with Asia at 10% and Oceania at 13% over 65 years, reflecting slight regional differences in aging trends.Frequently Asked Questions
Which region has the highest percentage of the population under 15 years?
Africa has the highest percentage of the population under 15 years at 40%.
Which continent has the oldest population?
Europe has the oldest population with 19% of its population over 65 years.
How does the age distribution in the Latin America and Caribbean region look like?
Latin America and Caribbean region exhibits a balanced age distribution with 23% of the population under 15 years and 9% over 65 years.
What percentage of North America's population is over 65 years?
North America has 17% of its population over 65 years.
Terms and Definitions
Refers to the total number of humans currently living on Earth. It is based on estimates and census data collected by global organizations, such as the United Nations.
It is a concept referring to the division of a certain population into specific age groups. This division often includes groups like 0-14 years (youth), 15-64 (working-age population), and 65+ (elderly). Age distribution is typically represented by an age pyramid and is crucial for insights into demographic trends and predictions about future changes.
Refers to the spread or dispersion of a given population within different geographical areas or regions. These regions can be continents, countries, or specific regional divisions within countries, and are identified as per various factors such as political boundaries, climate, or culture, among others.
Refers to the statistical data of a population, including aspects like age, gender, income, education level, and employment, among others. Demographics can provide rich insights about characteristics of a population group, which are fundamental for social studies, policymaking, and market research.
The measure of the number of persons per unit of land area, usually represented as people per square kilometer or mile. It provides insights on the level of overcrowding or potential resource strain in a particular region.
Refers to the change in population over a specific period. It is often expressed as a percentage of the number of individuals in a population at the start of the period. This rate could result from a balance among births, deaths, and migration.
A graphical representation of the age and sex structure of a population. It provides a visual summary of the distribution of ages in a population for males and females, most often shaped as a pyramid.
Birth rate is the number of births per 1,000 individuals per year, whereas death rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 individuals per year. These rates are important demographic indicators that influence the growth, structure, and density of a population.