In 2019, 13 800 asylum seekers applying for international protection in the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU) were considered to be unaccompanied minors, nearly 20% fewer than in 2018 (16 800), continuing the downward trend that started after the peak year 2015 (92 000). In 2019, at the EU level, unaccompanied minors accounted for 7% of all asylum applicants aged less than 18. The majority of unaccompanied minors were males (85%). Two-thirds were aged 16 to 17 (9 200 persons), while those aged 14 to 15 accounted for 22% (3 100 persons) and those aged less than 14 for 11% (1 500 persons).