The study shows that more than half of Kyrgyzstan’s population is under the age of 30. Over the next two decades, this generation will become the largest workforce in the country’s history.

This demographic structure creates favorable conditions for what economists call a demographic dividend — a period in which a high share of working-age population can drive income growth, consumption, investment, and overall economic expansion.

At the same time, experts warn that these advantages do not emerge automatically. Realizing them requires targeted policies and strategic investments in human capital development.

According to the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, Kyrgyzstan scores 0.60.

This means that a child born in the country today is expected to achieve only 60 percent of their potential productivity in adulthood due to shortcomings in education quality and health outcomes.

Lievens noted that human capital is also affected by insufficient investment in child protection, social support, water supply, sanitation, and employment support programs.

The authors of the study believe that well-targeted investments in these sectors could significantly improve human capital and help Kyrgyzstan fully benefit from its demographic advantages.