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Bosnia: nearly half of young people plan to leave country

Population expected to drop to 1.6 million from current 3.5

17 November, 19:17
(ANSA) - BELGRADE, NOV 17 - Nearly one in two young people aged 18-29 and currently living in Bosnia and Herzegovina are thinking about leaving the country temporarily or permanently, according to a new study published by the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) today.

Dissatisfaction with the quality of life is the main driver of emigration, according to the survey, with almost 73 per cent of respondents say the standard of living has stagnated or even deteriorated recently. The reasons young Bosnians cited for their interest in emigration include "unfavourable socio-economic conditions, high youth unemployment, lack of quality public services, as well as a non-supportive environment and a lack of opportunities for personal growth and professional development. Moreover, more than 70 percent of young people believing that society is systemically corrupt, UNFPA said in a statement. "Young people shouldn't feel they have to leave their own country because of lack of opportunities at home," said Alanna Armitage, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Emigration is a major factor in the decrease of Bosnia's population, which is projected to drop to under 1.6 million until 2070 from 3.5 million today, UNFPA said. (ANSA).

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