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7 Countries Where the Kids Are in Charge Now
From street style to startup scenes—these countries are run by Gen Z energy.
Philip Saparov
January 13, 2026
In partnership with
Greetings, sharp-eyed scout of global change,
In some corners of the world, youth is the driving force of the economy, culture, and even politics. From streetwear to startups, under-30s are reshaping nations in real time.
In this edition, we spotlight the countries where youth culture rules—and where tomorrow’s trends are being built today.
Let’s dive in.
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Nigeria is home to one of the youngest populations on Earth, with a median age of just 18. Despite high unemployment and economic headwinds, Nigerian youth are flipping the script—turning frustration into innovation, and culture into capital.
🎧 The Afrobeats music industry, led by artists like Burna Boy and Tems, has become a global force—and it’s overwhelmingly youth-driven, both in production and consumption.
💻 In tech, Lagos’s Yabacon Valley is buzzing with Gen Z founders—Nigeria saw over $1 billion in startup funding in 2022 alone, much of it for youth-led ventures in fintech, edtech, and healthtech.
✊ Politically, the #EndSARS movement showcased the organizing power of Nigeria’s digital-native generation. Their ability to rally, fundraise, and negotiate made global headlines.
Unexpected stat: By 2050, Nigeria’s youth population will outnumber the entire U.S. population under 25. A nation of kids—poised to become a global powerhouse.
In South Korea, the under-30s have transformed the country from a war-scarred state into a soft-power giant. They’ve made K-culture—from K-pop to K-dramas—a billion-dollar global export.
🎤 BTS alone has added an estimated $5 billion annually to South Korea’s GDP. Their fans, mostly under 25, are not just music lovers—they’re political activists, social media strategists, and fundraisers.
🎮 Gaming is another youth-led juggernaut. South Korea’s eSports scene is not just massive—it’s mainstream. Pro gamers enjoy celebrity status and multi-million-dollar contracts.
🗳️ But all isn’t rosy—young voters are also voicing frustration about housing costs and job prospects. In recent elections, their voting patterns swung differently from older generations—often deciding the winner.
Curious twist: South Korean youth now identify more with global Gen Z values than with traditional Korean norms—sparking an ongoing culture clash with older generations.
Brazil’s youth aren’t just shaping culture—they’re dancing with it. From TikTok to politics, Brazil’s young generation (median age: 31) is rewriting the national narrative.
💃 Baile Funk, the street-born music genre once criminalized, is now a global dance trend. It’s produced entirely by and for youth in urban favelas—and it’s spreading across Europe and the U.S.
📱 Brazil is the second-largest user of TikTok outside China, and much of the viral content is youth-made—from political satire to DIY business tips.
🏛️ Politically, Brazilian youth have become vocal on environmental justice and social inclusion—driving protests, movements, and even shaping presidential campaign rhetoric.
Unexpected data point: 52% of Brazilian Gen Z now say they would leave the country if given the chance. It’s a signal of both their global orientation—and domestic dissatisfaction.
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Japan may be known for an aging population, but its youth are pushing back—quietly, creatively, and powerfully.
👩🎨 From gender-fluid fashion in Harajuku to work-life critiques in manga and anime, young Japanese are challenging social norms in subtle but unmistakable ways.
🏠 Many are rejecting the “salaryman” culture—choosing freelance gigs, remote work, and non-traditional lifestyles. This trend has given rise to Japan’s “freeter” and “NEET” cultures (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
📚 Youth interest in minimalism, anti-materialism, and mental wellness is quietly reshaping markets—from real estate to consumer goods.
Fascinating fact: Japan’s “hikikomori” phenomenon—youth who withdraw completely from society—now affects an estimated 1.5 million people. It’s become a cultural and policy issue, showing that not all rebellion is loud.
Kenya’s youth culture is fast, mobile, and fiercely entrepreneurial. With over 75% of the population under age 35, this is a nation run on young ambition.
📲 Kenya pioneered mobile money—and now youth-led startups are building on that infrastructure to create platforms for farming, banking, logistics, and even healthcare.
🎙️ On YouTube and podcasts, Kenyan creators are turning daily life, comedy, and politics into content businesses—with millions of views and real-world influence.
👟 Nairobi’s streetwear culture is booming—locally made brands now rival imports, reflecting youth pride in African identity and creativity.
Surprising stat: Kenya has one of the world’s highest youth digital literacy rates—beating out many wealthier countries. Its future is literally in their hands.
In France, youth culture often collides with politics—and out of that tension comes transformation.
🪧 French youth are famously active protestors—from climate marches to pension reform demonstrations. In 2023, millions took to the streets over retirement law changes that would primarily affect them decades from now.
🎥 In film and fashion, young French creatives are reclaiming diversity, social critique, and non-Parisian voices—highlighting suburbs, immigrants, and youth subcultures.
📈 France’s youth unemployment remains high, but youth entrepreneurship is on the rise. Platforms like Station F (the world’s largest startup campus) are teeming with under-30 founders.
Little-known insight: The most-watched French TV show among young people in 2023 wasn’t on TV—it was a YouTube docuseries on life in the banlieues (suburbs), racking up tens of millions of views.
In the Philippines, youth culture lives online—and leads online. With one of the world’s highest social media usage rates, Filipino youth have turned platforms into megaphones.
📣 Filipino teens are leading hashtag movements on everything from climate change to election misinformation. In the 2022 elections, youth voters were a decisive force—over 50% of registered voters were under 30.
🎭 Youth-created platforms like Tiktok and Kumu have become not just entertainment outlets, but political arenas, cultural showcases, and income sources.
💡 Edtech and online freelancing are booming as Filipino youth seek global gigs. Many Gen Z workers are now digital nomads—working from beach towns and gigging for companies overseas.
Stunning fact: The average Filipino internet user spends 10 hours and 27 minutes online daily—the highest in the world. For youth here, digital is not just a tool—it’s a habitat.
In a world run by the old guard, these countries show what happens when the young take the wheel.
Whether you’re investing, relocating, or just trying to understand where the world is heading—watch the youth. They’re not waiting for the future. They’re building it.
Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay ahead.
Warm regards,
Shane Fulmer
Founder, WorldPopulationReview.com
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