Which country has the oldest population?
Comment
Monaco has the oldest population in the world, with a median age of 53.5 years. This means that half of the population is over the age of 53.5 and half is under. The high median age is due to a number of factors, including low fertility rates and high life expectancy.
top 10 countries with the oldest populations in the world
- Monaco (median age: 53.5 years)
- Liechtenstein (median age: 41.5 years)
- Switzerland (median age: 42.3 years)
- Germany (median age: 44.9 years)
- Italy (median age: 47.8 years)
- Japan (median age: 48.4 years)
- Austria (median age: 46.3 years)
- Greece (median age: 45.7 years)
- Portugal (median age: 47.2 years)
- Spain (median age: 45.3 years)
Which African country has the oldest population?
According to the 2019 United Nations World Population Prospects, Mauritius has the oldest population in Africa, with a median age of 35.4 years. This is followed by Cape Verde (33.7 years), Seychelles (33.2 years), and Réunion (33.1 years).
Nigeria has the largest older population in Africa, with over 11 million people aged 60 or older. However, the proportion of older people in Nigeria is still relatively low, at 6.2%. This is because Nigeria has a very young population overall, with a median age of 18.3 years.
As Africa’s population continues to age, the number of older people is expected to increase rapidly. By 2050, it is projected that there will be over 225 million people aged 60 or older in Africa. This will pose significant challenges for African countries, which will need to develop policies and programs to support their aging populations.
What are the 10 oldest country in Africa?
Determining the exact oldest countries in Africa can be challenging due to the complex history of the continent and the varying definitions of what constitutes a country. However, based on available historical records and archaeological evidence, here are the 10 countries that are generally considered to be among the oldest in Africa:
Ethiopia: Ethiopia has a rich and continuous history dating back to the Axumite Empire, which emerged in the 1st century BCE. The country has maintained its independence throughout its history, making it one of the oldest continuously existing countries in the world.
Egypt: Egypt boasts an even longer history, with its origins tracing back to the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BCE. The ancient Egyptian civilization made significant contributions to various fields, including mathematics, science, architecture, and art.
Libya: Libya’s history can be traced back to the ancient Phoenician city-state of Carthage, which was founded in the 9th century BCE. The region has been ruled by various empires and kingdoms over the centuries, including the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.
Sudan: Sudan’s history is intertwined with the ancient kingdoms of Nubia, which flourished along the Nile River for centuries. The region later became part of various empires, including the Egyptian New Kingdom, the Meroitic Kingdom, and the Islamic empires.
Tunisia: Tunisia’s history is linked to the ancient Phoenician city-state of Carthage, which established a significant presence in the region. The area later fell under the control of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Arab Umayyad Caliphate.
Morocco: Morocco’s history is marked by the rise and fall of various empires and kingdoms, including the Berber kingdoms, the Idrisid dynasty, and the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties. The country has maintained its independence for most of its history.
Mali: Mali’s history is renowned for the powerful West African empires that emerged in the region, including the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire. These empires played a significant role in trans-Saharan trade and cultural exchange.
Niger: Niger’s history is intertwined with the empires and kingdoms that flourished in the Sahel region, including the Kanem-Bornu Empire, the Songhai Empire, and the Hausa kingdoms. The region has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population.
Chad: Chad’s history is marked by the influence of various empires and kingdoms, including the Kanem-Bornu Empire, the Wadai Sultanate, and the Bagirmi Empire. The country is also home to diverse ethnic groups and cultural traditions.
Algeria: Algeria’s history is linked to the ancient Berber kingdoms and the Numidian kingdom of Massylia. The region later became part of the Roman Empire, the Vandal Kingdom, and the Ottoman Empire. Algeria gained independence from France in 1962.
It’s important to note that this list is not definitive and may vary depending on the criteria used to determine the oldest countries. However, these countries represent a significant part of Africa’s rich and diverse history.
List of countries by age structure
Youngest countries
- Niger (14.8 years)
- Mali (15.1 years)
- Chad (15.1 years)
- Angola (15.2 years)
- Uganda (15.2 years)
- Somalia (15.3 years)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (15.3 years)
- Burundi (15.4 years)
- Burkina Faso (15.5 years)
- Zambia (15.5 years)
Oldest countries
- Monaco (55.4 years)
- Japan (51.4 years)
- Italy (50.2 years)
- Germany (48.4 years)
- Greece (47.6 years)
- Portugal (47.5 years)
- Finland (47.3 years)
- Bulgaria (46.8 years)
- Spain (46.4 years)
- Croatia (46.1 years)
Please note that this list is based on estimates from the United Nations Population Division and may not reflect the most recent data for all countries. The median age is the age at which half of the population is younger and half is older. A younger median age indicates a younger population, while an older median age indicates an older population.
Why Liberia is the oldest country in Africa?
Liberia is considered the oldest republic in Africa because it declared its independence from the United States on July 26, 1847, making it the first African country to achieve self-governance. This independence came about as a result of efforts by the American Colonization Society (ACS), which was founded in 1816 with the aim of repatriating freed African Americans to Africa. Between 1822 and the American Civil War, the ACS assisted in the relocation of over 15,000 freed African Americans and 3,198 Afro-Caribbeans to Liberia.
ALSO READ: Top 15 Nollywood Highest-Grossing Actresses of 2023
The establishment of Liberia as an independent nation was a significant milestone in African history, as it marked the first instance of a European power relinquishing control of a territory on the continent. While Liberia faced challenges in its early years, particularly in establishing harmonious relations with indigenous populations, it persevered and remains a symbol of African independence.
Here’s a timeline of Liberia’s history
1822: The American Colonization Society establishes a settlement for freed African Americans at Cape Mesurado.
1824: The settlement is named Liberia, and its main settlement is named Monrovia.
1847: Liberia declares independence from the United States.
1862: The United States recognizes Liberia’s independence.
1980: A military coup d’état led by Samuel Doe marks the beginning of a long period of political instability and civil wars.
2003: The Second Liberian Civil War ends, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf becomes the first female president of an African country.
2018: George Weah, a former international football star, becomes president of Liberia.
Liberia’s history is complex and multifaceted, but its status as Africa’s oldest republic remains a testament to the resilience and determination of its people.
In Conclusion:
Liberia’s journey from its founding as a colony for freed American slaves to its current state as a democratic republic has been filled with triumphs and challenges. The country has experienced periods of economic growth and political stability, as well as devastating civil wars and political upheavals. However, throughout its history, Liberia has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back and forge ahead. With leaders like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah at the helm, there is hope for a brighter future for the people of Liberia.
