TL;DR: Gen Z is around a quarter of the world’s population by many estimates – roughly 2 billion people aged about 14–29 in 2026. It’s the most diverse and one of the most educated generations, with especially large populations in Asia and Africa. India alone is home to one of the biggest Gen Z populations on Earth.
Global picture
- Large shares of Gen Z live in Asia (especially India and China) and Africa, where populations are young.
- In ageing countries like Japan and much of Europe, Gen Z is a smaller share of the population.
Age range
About 14–29 in 2026. Year-by-year table: Gen Z Age Range: How Old Is Gen Z in 2026?.
Diversity
In many countries Gen Z is more ethnically and culturally diverse than older generations, and more globally connected through the internet.
Education and urbanisation
More Gen Z young people are in higher education than any previous generation in many countries, and more live in cities.
Why demographics matter
Gen Z is now a major share of workers, voters and consumers – shaping workplaces, politics and brands. See Gen Z Consumer Trends: What Young Consumers Want From Brands.
Trusted data sources
UN World Population Prospects, national census data, Pew Research Center and national statistics offices. Figures are estimates and vary by definition.
