5 Youngest Countries in the World

In this article, we discuss the 5 youngest countries in the world. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the aging population and youngest countries, go directly to the 25 Youngest Countries in the World.

5. Somalia

Population Under 20: 57.8%

Bordering Kenya and the Indian Ocean, the land is associated to its vast landscapes. Somalia ranks 5th on our list of 25 youngest countries in the world, and has 57.8% of its population under 20 years old. The median age is 16.3 and the life expectancy is 57.4. According to the World Bank, in 2019, Somalia had a population of 15.4 million and a GDP of $4.9 billion. Since March 2020, the International Development Association is funding 18 projects worth $1.23 billion, focusing on socio-economic recovery, urban development, and core state functions.

4. Uganda

Population Under 20: 57.9%

Regarded for its natural beauty, such as the snowcapped Rwenzori mountains, Uganda ranks 4th on our list of 25 youngest countries in the world. The nation has 57.9% of its population under 20 years old. The median age is 15.8 and the life expectancy is 63.3. Uganda has a population of 45,741,000 with a 2019 GDP of $37.79. The country’s real GDP increased by 2.9% in 2020, less than half of the increase seen in 2019. 

3. Chad

Population Under 20: 58.1%

Located in central Africa, Chad comes last on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, meaning a child born today in Chad will be 71% less efficient when he/she reaches adulthood. Ranking 3rd on our list of 25 youngest countries in the world, Chad has 58.1% of its population under 20 years old. The median age is 15.8 and the life expectancy is 54.3. Chad has a population of 16,426,000 with a 2019 GDP of $10.93 billion. 

2. Mali

Population Under 20: 58.3%

Renowned for its historic and geographic landmarks, Mali ranks 2nd on our list of 25 youngest countries in the world. The country has 58.3% of its population under 20 years old. The median age is 16.3 and the life expectancy is 59.3. Mali has a population of 20,251,000 with a 2018 GDP of $17.08 billion. It is a poor Sahelian country with a poverty rate of 42.3% in 2019.

1. Niger

Population Under 20: 60.7%

Valued for its uranium, Niger is a poor economy that relies on agriculture to survive. Ranking 1st on our list of 25 youngest countries in the world, Niger has 60.7% of its population under 20 years old. The median age is 15 and the life expectancy is 62.4. Niger has a population of 24,207,000 with a 2019 GDP of $12.91 billion. It is a poor economy, and 40% of its GDP comes from agriculture with a poverty rate of 42.9% in 2020.

The World Bank reports that the government is focused on poverty reduction, but the country suffers from low security. The World Bank recommends more spending on the education sector.

You can also take a peek at the 25 Countries That Have The Most Debt Per Capita and 15 Countries With Highest Standard of Living in 2020.

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