Young people make up a significant proportion of the EU population: on 1 January 2009, there were 95 million persons aged 15 to 29 in the EU27, almost a fifth of the total population. Statistics on young people confirm that they have their own characteristics compared to the older generation, but also reveal differences in their behaviour between member states. What is the average age of young people when leaving the parental home? What is the difference in unemployment rates according to the level of education? What proportion of young people are employed on a temporary contract? How often do young people go to the cinema and other cultural events?

Answers to these questions and to many more can be found in the publication "Youth in Europe - A statistical portrait" published by Eurostat. This publication is issued in connection with the adoption of a resolution by the Council of the European Union on 27 November 2009, on a new EU Youth Strategy for 2010-2018.

This publication can be download here