Median age of population 2022
The median age of a population is a key demographic indicator, reflecting the age distribution within a country. Understanding median age helps assess economic development, healthcare needs, and social dynamics. Countries with a higher median age may face challenges related to aging populations, while younger populations often indicate growth potential.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 | Monaco | 54.975 years |
2 | Saint Helena | 50.214 years |
3 | Japan | 48.548 years |
4 | Martinique | 48.239 years |
5 | Italy | 47.116 years |
6 | San Marino | 46.782 years |
7 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 45.989 years |
8 | Guadeloupe | 45.863 years |
9 | Portugal | 45.806 years |
10 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 45.591 years |
11 | Isle of Man | 45.476 years |
12 | Greece | 45.391 years |
13 | Puerto Rico | 45.197 years |
14 | Germany | 45.024 years |
15 | Bermuda | 44.703 years |
16 | Croatia | 44.611 years |
17 | United States Virgin Islands | 44.571 years |
18 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 44.559 years |
19 | Spain | 44.392 years |
20 | Bulgaria | 44.154 years |
21 | Liechtenstein | 44.014 years |
22 | South Korea | 43.944 years |
23 | Guernsey | 43.88 years |
24 | Serbia | 43.675 years |
25 | Slovenia | 43.497 years |
26 | Hungary | 42.993 years |
27 | Latvia | 42.946 years |
28 | Taiwan | 42.917 years |
29 | Jersey | 42.867 years |
30 | Austria | 42.832 years |
31 | Andorra | 42.832 years |
32 | Czech Republic | 42.645 years |
33 | Lithuania | 42.633 years |
34 | Finland | 42.526 years |
35 | Romania | 42.391 years |
36 | Switzerland | 41.961 years |
37 | Estonia | 41.625 years |
38 | France | 41.567 years |
39 | Cuba | 41.505 years |
40 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 41.48 years |
41 | Netherlands | 41.463 years |
42 | Ukraine | 41.451 years |
43 | Montserrat | 41.385 years |
44 | Denmark | 41.216 years |
45 | Belgium | 41.151 years |
46 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 40.935 years |
47 | Slovakia | 40.904 years |
48 | Poland | 40.864 years |
49 | Aruba | 40.767 years |
50 | Canada | 40.253 years |
51 | Belarus | 40.192 years |
52 | North Macedonia | 39.91 years |
53 | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 39.773 years |
54 | Malta | 39.746 years |
55 | Sweden | 39.728 years |
56 | United Kingdom | 39.504 years |
57 | Norway | 39.436 years |
58 | Thailand | 39.194 years |
59 | Montenegro | 39.08 years |
60 | Russia | 39.071 years |
61 | Gibraltar | 38.948 years |
62 | Saint Barthélemy | 38.707 years |
63 | Luxembourg | 38.676 years |
64 | Barbados | 38.652 years |
65 | China | 38.534 years |
66 | Saint Martin (French part) | 38.4 years |
67 | Ireland | 37.997 years |
68 | Curaçao | 37.954 years |
69 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 37.866 years |
70 | China, Macao SAR | 37.831 years |
71 | Anguilla | 37.773 years |
72 | United States | 37.72 years |
73 | Faroe Islands | 37.538 years |
74 | Australia | 37.512 years |
75 | Cayman Islands | 37.499 years |
76 | Palau | 37.484 years |
77 | Republic of Moldova | 37.478 years |
78 | Cyprus | 37.339 years |
79 | British Virgin Islands | 37.12 years |
80 | New Zealand | 37.068 years |
81 | Réunion | 37.065 years |
82 | Niue | 36.721 years |
83 | Georgia | 36.634 years |
84 | Wallis and Futuna Islands | 36.599 years |
85 | Mauritius | 36.513 years |
86 | Trinidad and Tobago | 36.226 years |
87 | Albania | 35.943 years |
88 | Armenia | 35.815 years |
89 | North Korea | 35.805 years |
90 | Iceland | 35.747 years |
91 | Chile | 35.526 years |
92 | Uruguay | 35.496 years |
93 | Dominica | 35.295 years |
94 | Northern Mariana Islands | 35.179 years |
95 | Antigua and Barbuda | 35.072 years |
96 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 34.971 years |
97 | Singapore | 34.878 years |
98 | Bahamas | 34.234 years |
99 | French Polynesia | 34.16 years |
100 | Cook Islands | 34.109 years |
101 | Greenland | 33.924 years |
102 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 33.633 years |
103 | New Caledonia | 33.589 years |
104 | Costa Rica | 33.536 years |
105 | Brazil | 33.506 years |
106 | Kuwait | 33.463 years |
107 | Seychelles | 33.388 years |
108 | Saint Lucia | 33.316 years |
109 | Grenada | 32.886 years |
110 | Sri Lanka | 32.561 years |
111 | Qatar | 32.458 years |
112 | Iran | 32.341 years |
113 | Turkey | 32.072 years |
114 | Azerbaijan | 32.062 years |
115 | Vietnam | 31.938 years |
116 | Tunisia | 31.744 years |
117 | Argentina | 31.739 years |
118 | Western Sahara | 31.698 years |
119 | Bahrain | 31.683 years |
120 | Brunei Darussalam | 31.276 years |
121 | Colombia | 31.181 years |
122 | Jamaica | 31.153 years |
123 | Guam | 30.98 years |
124 | United Arab Emirates | 30.903 years |
125 | Kosovo | 30.808 years |
126 | Maldives | 30.339 years |
127 | Malaysia | 29.573 years |
128 | Indonesia | 29.561 years |
129 | Kazakhstan | 29.348 years |
130 | Panama | 29.273 years |
131 | Myanmar | 29.251 years |
132 | Peru | 29.096 years |
133 | Israel | 29.086 years |
134 | Oman | 28.973 years |
135 | Morocco | 28.875 years |
136 | Bhutan | 28.81 years |
137 | Venezuela | 28.81 years |
138 | Saudi Arabia | 28.731 years |
139 | Mexico | 28.528 years |
140 | Lebanon | 28.106 years |
141 | Algeria | 27.983 years |
142 | Ecuador | 27.975 years |
143 | American Samoa | 27.927 years |
144 | South Africa | 27.919 years |
145 | Suriname | 27.865 years |
146 | India | 27.684 years |
147 | Fiji | 27.475 years |
148 | Cabo Verde | 27.322 years |
149 | Dominican Republic | 27.317 years |
150 | Libya | 26.917 years |
151 | Uzbekistan | 26.836 years |
152 | Mongolia | 26.617 years |
153 | Tokelau | 26.555 years |
154 | El Salvador | 26.51 years |
155 | Paraguay | 26.045 years |
156 | Turkmenistan | 25.931 years |
157 | Cambodia | 25.596 years |
158 | Belize | 25.521 years |
159 | Guyana | 25.304 years |
160 | French Guiana | 25.235 years |
161 | Bangladesh | 24.99 years |
162 | Kyrgyzstan | 24.975 years |
163 | Nicaragua | 24.912 years |
164 | Philippines | 24.866 years |
165 | Bolivia | 24.392 years |
166 | Nepal | 24.356 years |
167 | Tuvalu | 24.256 years |
168 | Djibouti | 24.085 years |
169 | Laos | 23.972 years |
170 | Jordan | 23.943 years |
171 | Egypt | 23.813 years |
172 | Haiti | 23.25 years |
173 | Honduras | 23.206 years |
174 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 22.608 years |
175 | Botswana | 22.604 years |
176 | Kiribati | 22.529 years |
177 | Guatemala | 22.244 years |
178 | Papua New Guinea | 22.127 years |
179 | Eswatini | 21.768 years |
180 | Tajikistan | 21.742 years |
181 | Syrian Arab Republic | 21.588 years |
182 | Gabon | 21.475 years |
183 | Lesotho | 21.264 years |
184 | Equatorial Guinea | 21.016 years |
185 | Marshall Islands | 20.965 years |
186 | Namibia | 20.825 years |
187 | Ghana | 20.736 years |
188 | Tonga | 20.726 years |
189 | Timor-Leste | 20.64 years |
190 | Nauru | 20.573 years |
191 | Pakistan | 20.148 years |
192 | Vanuatu | 20.121 years |
193 | Comoros | 20.102 years |
194 | Iraq | 20.093 years |
195 | Samoa | 20.091 years |
196 | Solomon Islands | 20.03 years |
197 | State of Palestine | 19.605 years |
198 | Kenya | 19.272 years |
199 | Rwanda | 19.22 years |
200 | Sierra Leone | 19.04 years |
201 | Senegal | 18.888 years |
202 | Sao Tome and Principe | 18.869 years |
203 | Guinea-Bissau | 18.733 years |
204 | Madagascar | 18.718 years |
205 | Togo | 18.7 years |
206 | Ethiopia | 18.528 years |
207 | Eritrea | 18.405 years |
208 | Congo | 18.202 years |
209 | Liberia | 18.18 years |
210 | Sudan | 18.12 years |
211 | Yemen | 18.118 years |
212 | Côte d'Ivoire | 17.992 years |
213 | Gambia | 17.985 years |
214 | Guinea | 17.836 years |
215 | Zimbabwe | 17.683 years |
216 | Benin | 17.646 years |
217 | Cameroon | 17.623 years |
218 | South Sudan | 17.59 years |
219 | Nigeria | 17.567 years |
220 | Malawi | 17.335 years |
221 | Zambia | 17.288 years |
222 | Tanzania | 17.124 years |
223 | Burkina Faso | 17.041 years |
224 | Mauritania | 16.992 years |
225 | Afghanistan | 16.752 years |
226 | Mayotte | 16.698 years |
227 | Angola | 16.39 years |
228 | Uganda | 16.338 years |
229 | Mozambique | 16.249 years |
230 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 15.766 years |
231 | Burundi | 15.672 years |
232 | Somalia | 15.371 years |
233 | Mali | 15.349 years |
234 | Niger | 15.102 years |
235 | Chad | 15.102 years |
236 | Central African Republic | 14.298 years |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
Monaco
- #2
Saint Helena
- #3
Japan
- #4
Martinique
- #5
Italy
- #6
San Marino
- #7
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- #8
Guadeloupe
- #9
Portugal
- #10
China, Hong Kong SAR
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #236
Central African Republic
- #235
Chad
- #234
Niger
- #233
Mali
- #232
Somalia
- #231
Burundi
- #230
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #229
Mozambique
- #228
Uganda
- #227
Angola
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The median age of a population serves as a crucial demographic indicator, offering insights into the age distribution and highlighting economic, social, and healthcare dimensions within countries. By assessing the median age, policymakers and analysts can understand the dynamics of economic development and anticipate future societal needs. In 2022, global statistics on the median age of populations reveal significant disparities across different regions, with implications for economic growth and public health strategies.
Global Age Disparities
The year 2022 witnessed pronounced disparities in the median age of populations worldwide, reflecting varied socioeconomic conditions and historical demographic trends. Monaco, with a median age of 54.97 years, leads the list of countries with an aging population. This high median age is indicative of advanced healthcare systems and a stable economy but also poses challenges such as increased demand for geriatric care and retirement planning. Conversely, Sierra Leone had the lowest median age at 19.04 years, suggesting a youthful population with potential for economic growth but also highlighting the need for robust education and employment strategies to harness this demographic dividend.
Regional Demographic Trends
The data from 2022 showcases distinct regional trends in population median ages. In Europe, countries like Italy and Portugal feature prominently with median ages of 47.11 and 45.81 years, respectively. This aging trend is often attributed to lower birth rates and higher life expectancies. Meanwhile, African nations such as Rwanda and Kenya demonstrate much younger populations, with median ages around 19 years. These differences underscore the importance of region-specific policies, with European countries focusing on sustainable pension systems and healthcare, while African nations may channel resources into education and job creation to leverage their youthful populations.
Economic Implications of Aging Populations
A higher median age can significantly influence a country's economic landscape. Economies with older populations, like Japan (48.55 years) and San Marino (46.78 years), may encounter workforce shortages and increased healthcare costs. These challenges necessitate innovative solutions, such as implementing automation and encouraging immigration to sustain economic growth. In contrast, countries with younger populations, such as Pakistan (20.15 years), have the advantage of a burgeoning workforce. However, the potential economic benefits are contingent upon effective investments in education and infrastructure to support economic integration of young workers.
Year-Over-Year Median Age Trends
Observing year-over-year changes in median age offers insights into the dynamic nature of global demographics. In 2022, Bahrain experienced the most significant increase in median age, rising by 1.06 years (3.5%). This increase could reflect improved life expectancy and declining birth rates. On the other hand, Kuwait recorded a decrease of 1.33 years (-3.8%), which might be attributed to demographic shifts such as an influx of younger expatriate workers. Understanding these fluctuations can assist in crafting policies that address the evolving demographic realities of each nation.
Future Implications and Policy Recommendations
As the median age continues to shift globally, countries must adapt their policies to address the associated socioeconomic challenges. Nations with aging populations should prioritize healthcare innovation, pension reforms, and incentives for higher birth rates. Conversely, countries with younger demographics need to focus on expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure development to accommodate their growing labor force. By strategically responding to these demographic trends, countries can optimize their economic and social outcomes, ensuring sustainable development in the face of evolving global demographics.
Insights by country
Albania
In 2022, Albania recorded a median age of population of 35.94 years, ranking 87th out of 236 countries. This figure indicates a relatively young population compared to many European nations, reflecting demographic trends that include both an aging population and youth outmigration.
The median age is influenced by several factors, including lower birth rates, improved healthcare, and increased life expectancy. Additionally, Albania's youth have been increasingly migrating abroad in search of better economic opportunities, which further impacts the demographic structure.
Interestingly, Albania's median age is lower than the European Union average, which is around 43 years. This demographic composition poses both challenges and opportunities for the country, as a younger population can drive economic growth but also necessitates significant investment in education and job creation.
Algeria
Algeria ranks 141st out of 236 countries in terms of the median age of its population. As of 2022, the median age is approximately 27.98 years, indicating a relatively youthful demographic when compared to global averages.
This youthful median age can be attributed to several factors, including a high birth rate and a declining but still significant mortality rate, which collectively contribute to a larger proportion of young people in the population. Additionally, Algeria has experienced improvements in healthcare and education, further supporting the growth of its younger demographic.
In the context of demographics, a young population can lead to both opportunities and challenges; for instance, it suggests potential for economic growth through a larger workforce but may also require substantial investment in education and job creation to prevent youth unemployment. Notably, the median age in Algeria is lower than the global median age of approximately 30 years, highlighting its distinctive demographic profile.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands ranks 196th out of 236 countries in terms of median age, with a median population age of 20.03 years in 2022. This relatively low median age reflects a youthful population, indicative of high birth rates and a shorter life expectancy compared to global averages.
Several factors contribute to this demographic characteristic, including ongoing public health challenges, limited access to healthcare, and socio-economic conditions that influence mortality rates. Additionally, the Solomon Islands' cultural norms often emphasize larger families, further contributing to the young demographic profile.
In comparison, many countries with higher median ages tend to have lower fertility rates and better healthcare systems, leading to longer life expectancies. The youthful population of the Solomon Islands presents both opportunities and challenges, as it can drive economic growth through a dynamic workforce while also necessitating significant investments in education, healthcare, and employment to harness this potential effectively.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu ranks 192nd out of 236 countries in terms of median age of population. As of 2022, the median age in Vanuatu is approximately 20.1 years, indicating a relatively young population. This statistic reflects the country's demographic trends, characterized by a high birth rate and a declining death rate, which contribute to a youthful demographic structure.
Several factors contribute to this low median age, including a high fertility rate and a significant proportion of the population being under the age of 15. Additionally, Vanuatu's economy is largely based on agriculture and tourism, which often attract younger individuals seeking employment opportunities. The nation also faces challenges such as limited access to education and healthcare, which can further influence population dynamics and age distribution.
Interestingly, Vanuatu's young population can offer both opportunities and challenges, as it may lead to a vibrant labor force, while also necessitating investments in education and employment to harness this potential effectively.
Tonga
Tonga ranks 188th out of 236 countries in terms of median age of population, with a median age of 20.73 years as of 2022. This relatively low median age indicates a youthful population structure, which is characteristic of many Pacific Island nations.
The demographic profile of Tonga reflects a high birth rate and a lower life expectancy compared to global averages, factors that contribute to a younger median age. Additionally, migration patterns, particularly emigration for education and employment opportunities, can influence the age demographics of the island nation.
Interestingly, Tonga's median age highlights broader regional trends in the Pacific, where many countries experience similar youthful populations due to cultural norms favoring larger families. This demographic reality can pose both opportunities and challenges for Tonga, including the need for adequate education and employment pathways for its young populace.
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste has a median age of population of 20.64 years, ranking it 189th out of 236 countries in 2022. This relatively young median age indicates a youthful demographic structure, which is characteristic of developing nations that often experience high birth rates.
The low median age can be attributed to factors such as a history of conflict, high fertility rates, and improvements in healthcare that have influenced population growth dynamics. Additionally, Timor-Leste is still in the process of nation-building and socio-economic development, which can impact demographic trends.
In contrast to many developed nations, where median ages are significantly higher due to lower birth rates and an aging population, Timor-Leste's youthful population presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of education, employment, and health services. The country faces the task of leveraging its demographic dividend while addressing issues related to youth unemployment and social integration.
Palau
In 2022, Palau ranked 76th out of 236 countries in terms of the median age of its population, which stands at 37.48 years. This figure reflects a demographic profile that is influenced by various factors, including health care improvements, decreasing fertility rates, and migration patterns.
The relatively high median age indicates a population that is transitioning towards an older demographic structure, often associated with increased life expectancy and lower birth rates. In Palau, the impact of modern healthcare and education has contributed to longer life spans, while economic and social factors may have led to fewer children being born per family.
Additionally, Palau's unique geographic and cultural context, including its small population and reliance on tourism, further shapes its demographic trends. As a Pacific island nation, it faces distinct challenges and opportunities related to population aging, such as the need for sustainable development and the provision of health and social services for an older population.
San Marino
San Marino boasts the sixth-highest median age in the world, with a median age of 46.78 years as of 2022. This statistic highlights the country’s aging population, which is indicative of broader demographic trends observed in many developed nations.
The high median age is largely influenced by factors such as low birth rates and increased life expectancy, which are characteristic of advanced economies. Additionally, San Marino's healthcare system and social services contribute to a higher quality of life, allowing residents to live longer, healthier lives.
Interestingly, this demographic trend can lead to potential challenges, including a shrinking workforce and increasing pressure on pension systems. As a small nation with limited resources, adapting to these changes will be crucial for maintaining economic stability and social welfare in the future.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands ranks 73rd out of 236 countries in terms of median age, with an estimated median age of 37.54 years in 2022. This statistic indicates a relatively mature population compared to many other nations, reflecting a balance between younger and older demographics.
This median age can be influenced by several factors, including low birth rates, high life expectancy, and emigration patterns. The Faroe Islands have experienced a stable population growth in recent years, aided by a robust economy and a strong social welfare system, which contribute to the overall life satisfaction and longevity of its residents.
Additionally, the population's age structure is indicative of the islands' socio-economic conditions, where a smaller proportion of the population is categorized as dependent children, while a growing segment comprises working-age individuals and seniors. Such demographic trends may have implications for labor markets, healthcare services, and social security systems in the future.
Sudan
In 2022, Sudan had a median age of 18.12 years, ranking it 210 out of 236 countries in terms of population age demographics. This relatively low median age reflects the country's youthful population, which is a characteristic of many developing nations.
The low median age can be attributed to several factors, including high birth rates and lower life expectancy due to ongoing conflicts, economic challenges, and limited access to healthcare. These conditions contribute to a demographic profile where a significant proportion of the population is comprised of children and young adults.
Additionally, as of the latest reports, over 40% of Sudan's population is under the age of 15, which poses both opportunities and challenges for the nation. A young population can drive economic growth if adequately educated and employed, but it also places immense pressure on resources such as education, healthcare, and job creation.
Data Source
United Nations Population Division
The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs conducts demographic research, supports intergovernmental processes at the United Nations in the area of population and development, and assists countries in developing their capacity to produce and analyse population data and information. The Division brings population issues to the attention of the international community by highlighting the central role of demographic trends in all aspects of sustainable development. The Division publishes datasets on the world’s population and analyzes global demographic trends.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Median age of population data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.
More People and Society Facts
Currently married (Percent)
The percentage of currently married individuals by country highlights societal trends in family structure and relationships. Understanding these statistics can provide insights into cultural norms and demographic shifts, influencing policies and social programs.
View dataBrowse All People and Society
Explore more facts and statistics in this category
All Categories
Discover more categories with comprehensive global data