The world is dividing into two demographic realities. One group of countries — mostly in Africa and the Middle East — has young, rapidly growing populations where 40%+ of people are under 14. The other — Europe, East Asia, and parts of the Americas — is aging fast, with 20%+ over 65 and populations that are shrinking. These two trajectories are locked in for decades by existing age structures and will reshape everything from economic power to migration patterns.
Population Under 14 (%) vs Population Over 65 (%)
Correlation (r)
-0.829
Strong negative
Countries
216
with both indicators
Avg Population Under 14
25%
global average
Avg Population Over 65
11%
global average
Key Insight
The two clusters are stark: African nations bunch in the bottom-right (young, almost no elderly), while Europe and East Asia cluster in the top-left (few children, rapidly aging). There is almost no middle ground — countries are on one trajectory or the other.
Regional Averages
| Region | Countries | Avg Population Under 14 | Avg Population Over 65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 54 | 38% | 4% |
| Asia | 49 | 25% | 8% |
| Europe | 48 | 15% | 20% |
| Americas | 46 | 21% | 12% |
| Oceania | 19 | 29% | 8% |