Ageing
Half the people in the world were older than 30.4 years in 2023, by the UN estimate. In 1950 the median age was 22.2, and for 2100 the UN projects 42.1.
On 1 January 2026, 10.5% of people are 65 or older and 24.2% are younger than 15, by the UN projection.
In the UN medium projection, people aged 65 or more outnumber children under 15 from 2064 on.
| Rank | Country | Median age | 65 or older |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Vatican City | 59.6 | 44.8% |
| 2 |  Monaco | 54.4 | 36.5% |
| 3 |  Saint Helena | 50.4 | 26.2% |
| 4 |  Japan | 49.0 | 29.5% |
| 5 |  Martinique | 48.8 | 23.9% |
| 6 |  Italy | 47.5 | 24.0% |
| 7 |  San Marino | 47.4 | 21.4% |
| 8 |  Guadeloupe | 46.6 | 22.7% |
| 9 |  Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 46.4 | 19.6% |
| 10 |  Portugal | 46.2 | 23.9% |
Sources: World Population Prospects 2024, UN DESA Population Division (CC BY 3.0 IGO).
Go further
Years up to 2023 are UN estimates. Later years are projections, the medium variant unless said otherwise. Methodology