Countries with a high proportion of young people (under 14) tend to have higher population growth rates — a phenomenon called demographic momentum. Even if fertility rates drop, a large youth cohort will continue producing population growth for decades as they reach childbearing age. This is why Africa is projected to double its population by 2050.
Population Under 14 (%) vs Growth Rate (%/year)
190 countries with available data
Correlation (r)
0.711
Strong positive
Countries
190
with both indicators
Avg Population Under 14
27%
global average
Avg Growth Rate
1.2%
global average
Key Insight
Countries where 40%+ of the population is under 14 grow at 2-3% annually. Aging nations with <15% youth are typically shrinking. This age structure locks in decades of future growth.
Regional Averages
| Region | Countries | Avg Population Under 14 | Avg Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 54 | 38% | 2.0% |
| Asia | 44 | 26% | 1.1% |
| Americas | 44 | 21% | 0.8% |
| Europe | 29 | 16% | 0.7% |
| Oceania | 19 | 29% | 0.9% |