Mapped: The world's most elderly (and youngest) countries

Oliver Smith, Deputy Head of Travel 8 July 2017 • 8:00am

The average ago of Japan's residents is 46.1, placing it third in the ranking

The map below shows the world according to the average age of each country's or territory's residents.

Unsuprisingly, it is the developed world with the elderly population. Monaco takes the top spot; it's citizens are 51.1 years old, on average, according to the 2014 CIA World Factbook, almost five years older than the nation ranked second, Germany (46.5 years).

Monaco: fast cars, old people Credit: AFP

Japan (46.1), Italy (44.5) and Austria (44.3) complete the top five countries, while 17 of the top 25 destinations are in Europe.

The world's 25 most elderly destinations

Monaco - average age: 51.1
Germany - 46.5
Japan - 46.1
Saint Pierre and Miquelon - 44.6
Italy - 44.5
Austria - 44.3
U.S. Virgin Islands - 44.2
San Marino - 43.6
Greece - 43.5
Slovenia - 43.5
Isle of Man - 43.4
Finland - 43.2
Hong Kong - 43.2
Belgium - 43.1
Guernsey - 43.1
Bermuda - 42.9
Bulgaria - 42.6
Andorra - 42.4
Liechtenstein - 42.4
Saint Barthélemy - 42.4
Croatia - 42.1
Netherlands - 42.1
Switzerland - 42
Serbia - 41.9
Canada - 41.7

Europe's domination continues beyond the top 25. Canada is followed by Denmark, Spain, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Hungary, Portugal, the Czech Republic, France, Malta and Bosnia and Herzegovina, before we reach another non-European country: South Korea.

Germany is the second oldest country in the world

The UK, it may suprise you, is actually one of Europe's more youthful countries, and 41st overall - its residents are 40.4 years old, on average. The US (37.6 years) comes 63rd.

There are few surprises too when it comes to the other end of the scale. Nearly all of the youngest 25 territories are in Africa (Afghanistan, Palestine/Gaza Strip and East Timor are the only exceptions), with residents of Niger just 15.1 years old on average - the lowest overall and a remarkable 36 years below Monaco.