Target Population of Macao Youth Indicators Profile

Youth Indicators Profile is targeted at the youth population. The definition of youth is extremely vague and complicated. At the beginning of setting up the Macao Youth Indicators Profile, there was no generally accepted or world recognised definition for youth. According to recommendation by UNESCO, youth is defined as those who belong to the age group of 15 to 24. Different countries and districts have different definitions for youth:

Source: Cheng 2003. “Macao Youth Indicators Profile” Research Report (Revision)

In Macao, to ensure consistency in statistical compilation and inclusion of the entire junior secondary student community, as well as in consideration of preliminary research results of the Macao Youth Indicators Profile project conducted by the University of Macau, the definition of youth in Macao has been ultimately adopted as those young people aged 13 to 29.

In 2021, the SAR government promulgated and implemented the "Macao Youth Policy (2021-2030)". Having considered the average life expectancy and the average years of education has been extended, the starting age of employment has been delayed, and also considered the proportion of youth in the local population, the linkage between youth policies in Macao as well as in Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities, and to meet the diverse needs of more youth groups, the "Macao Youth Policy (2021-2030)" has redefined the age range of youth from 13-29 years old in the past to 13- 35 years old.

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