Noorte

Noorte is the Estonian term for youth, referring to the demographic group of young people in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The exact age span labeled as youth varies by context, but it commonly covers the late teens to late twenties. The term is widely used in policy, education, and culture.

Internationally, youth is often defined as ages 15–29 or 15–24 for statistics. National policies, including in Estonia, address noorte needs through education, training, health services, and social protection to support successful transition to independent life and work.

Noorte matter to society because their education, skills, and participation shape the economy and culture. Policies seek to improve access to schooling and vocational training, reduce unemployment, promote mental health, and encourage civic engagement and volunteering.

Common challenges include job instability, housing affordability, mental health, and social exclusion for marginalized groups. Demographic shifts, migration, and digital transformation influence how services are designed for noorte.

Beyond policy, noorte participate in clubs, sports, arts, and youth organizations that foster skills, creativity, and community. The term noorte features prominently in Estonian media and public life as a reference to young people and their role in society.