Most countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have experienced high rates of out-migration since the breakup of the Soviet Union. A large proportion of this out-migration is undertaken by young people. Generally driven by a lack of economic opportunities, out-migration of young people can reduce unemployment and stress on public services in countries of origin, and can increase the income and standard of living of both out-migrant and non-migrant household members via remittances. On the other hand, high out-migration of youth can lead to the loss of human capital and to economic dependence on remittances, and often leaves behind an older population, with the potential for adverse impacts on the countries' future development.

Created in 2011 as a means to facilitate the collection, dissemination and sharing of migration data from countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, UNECE Clearing House on Migration Statistics database allows for the examination of age-specific emigration patterns for several countries.

Source: UNECE Statistical Database