A joint initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS-Stat), this publication is the first attempt to draw a comprehensive statistical portrait of the young generation in the CIS, and to compare data not only between CIS countries, but also with other countries in the world.

The publication covers various aspects of young people’s lives: their demographic profile, migration, health, education, employment and quality of life. It reflects the World Programme of Action for Youth targets, the Millennium Development Goals and the Programme of Action adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, as well as youth programmes implemented in the CIS countries.

The publication also served to identify gaps in regular statistical monitoring programmes, sample surveys and censuses. This will inform discussions among professional statisticians, scientists, politicians, NGOs, journalists and, most importantly, youth representatives on improving youth data with a view towards generating more complete and reliable statistics allowing for the development of improved youth policies.

Note: A summary brochure featuring key facts from this publication is also available