Publication

This report assesses the perspectives of youth in Central Asia. The combination of declining living standards with a demographic bulge brings increased risks of political instability and conflict. The paper focuses on education, economic development, and social integration. The report outlines alternatives for youth such as religion, with Islam being the most attractive option, and illegal activities, among them alcohol and drug abuse, prostitution and crime. It states that there is a higher rate of illiteracy, unemployment, poor health, and drug use and crime among youth than among their parents. Current trends must be reversed if the region is to avoid more serious economic and political problems.