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Africa’s Y — Young People

What effect does Africa’s young population have on its work force?

February 23, 2005

What effect does Africa's young population have on its work force?

The working-age population of Africa represents a smaller portion of the population than elsewhere.

People between the ages of 15 and 64 make up only slightly more than half the total population (over 60% in South Asia).

This helps explain the prevalence of child labor throughout much of Africa. Malnutrition is widespread among African children. In fact, it has become even more pervasive during the past 20 years.