Old-Age Dependency Ratio 2007

Old-age dependency ratio compares the number of elderly dependents to working-age people, affecting economic sustainability.

236 data points••Global Coverage•Old-age dependency ratio | Our World in Data•

Interactive Map

Loading interactive map...

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Holy See flag
Holy See
62.903 %
2
Monaco flag
Monaco
37.096 %
3
Japan flag
Japan
33.33 %
4
Italy flag
Italy
30.543 %
5
Germany flag
Germany
30.261 %
6
Greece flag
Greece
27.869 %
7
Croatia flag
Croatia
26.711 %
8
Sweden flag
Sweden
26.529 %
9
Portugal flag
Portugal
26.472 %
10
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
25.876 %
11
Belgium flag
Belgium
25.867 %
12
Serbia flag
Serbia
25.778 %
13
Estonia flag
Estonia
25.623 %
14
Latvia flag
Latvia
25.601 %
15
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
25.438 %
16
France flag
France
25.257 %
17
Austria flag
Austria
25.224 %
18
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
24.937 %
19
Finland flag
Finland
24.766 %
20
San Marino flag
San Marino
24.337 %
21
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
24.083 %
22
Guernsey flag
Guernsey
24.078 %
23
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
23.816 %
24
Spain flag
Spain
23.806 %
25
Saint Helena flag
Saint Helena
23.505 %
26
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
23.49 %
27
Denmark flag
Denmark
23.391 %
28
Hungary flag
Hungary
23.004 %
29
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
22.758 %
30
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
22.574 %
31
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
22.23 %
32
Norway flag
Norway
22.127 %
33
Georgia flag
Georgia
22.125 %
34
Romania flag
Romania
22.095 %
35
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
22.006 %
36
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
21.525 %
37
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
21.417 %
38
Martinique flag
Martinique
21.323 %
39
Belarus flag
Belarus
20.969 %
40
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
20.746 %
41
Jersey flag
Jersey
20.672 %
42
Saint Pierre and Miquelon flag
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
20.498 %
43
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
20.415 %
44
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
20.324 %
45
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
19.809 %
46
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
19.775 %
47
Niue flag
Niue
19.625 %
48
Malta flag
Malta
19.598 %
49
Russia flag
Russia
19.409 %
50
Australia flag
Australia
19.383 %
51
Canada flag
Canada
19.283 %
52
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
19.109 %
53
Poland flag
Poland
18.999 %
54
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
18.668 %
55
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
18.484 %
56
United States flag
United States
18.166 %
57
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
17.623 %
58
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
17.311 %
59
Iceland flag
Iceland
17.128 %
60
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
17.114 %
61
Cuba flag
Cuba
16.809 %
62
Barbados flag
Barbados
16.694 %
63
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
16.651 %
64
Dominica flag
Dominica
16.524 %
65
Armenia flag
Armenia
16.417 %
66
Andorra flag
Andorra
16.161 %
67
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
16.132 %
68
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
16.065 %
69
Argentina flag
Argentina
15.924 %
70
Israel flag
Israel
15.865 %
71
Tokelau flag
Tokelau
15.836 %
72
Ireland flag
Ireland
15.632 %
73
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
15.35 %
74
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) flag
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
15.073 %
75
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
15.069 %
76
Albania flag
Albania
14.794 %
77
Grenada flag
Grenada
14.508 %
78
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
13.999 %
79
Chile flag
Chile
13.954 %
80
South Korea flag
South Korea
13.679 %
81
North Korea flag
North Korea
13.14 %
82
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
12.555 %
83
Saint Barthélemy flag
Saint Barthélemy
12.532 %
84
Aruba flag
Aruba
12.371 %
85
Réunion flag
Réunion
12.203 %
86
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
12.202 %
87
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
11.8 %
88
Wallis and Futuna Islands flag
Wallis and Futuna Islands
11.63 %
89
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba flag
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
11.351 %
90
China flag
China
11.308 %
91
Thailand flag
Thailand
11.205 %
92
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
11.167 %
93
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
10.812 %
94
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
10.738 %
95
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
10.587 %
96
Turkey flag
Turkey
10.545 %
97
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
10.359 %
98
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
10.335 %
99
Tonga flag
Tonga
10.238 %
100
Peru flag
Peru
10.235 %
101
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
10.184 %
102
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
10.157 %
103
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
10.102 %
104
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
10.087 %
105
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
9.607 %
106
Guam flag
Guam
9.588 %
107
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
9.448 %
108
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
9.328 %
109
Singapore flag
Singapore
9.321 %
110
Mexico flag
Mexico
9.317 %
111
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
9.194 %
112
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
9.106 %
113
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
9.097 %
114
Panama flag
Panama
9.047 %
115
Brazil flag
Brazil
8.995 %
116
Suriname flag
Suriname
8.974 %
117
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
8.847 %
118
Greenland flag
Greenland
8.832 %
119
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
8.784 %
120
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
8.708 %
121
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
8.668 %
122
Samoa flag
Samoa
8.648 %
123
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
8.565 %
124
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
8.479 %
125
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
8.389 %
126
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
8.309 %
127
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
8.096 %
128
Colombia flag
Colombia
8.055 %
129
South Africa flag
South Africa
8.051 %
130
Comoros flag
Comoros
8.047 %
131
Malawi flag
Malawi
8.033 %
132
Palau flag
Palau
7.954 %
133
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
7.901 %
134
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
7.823 %
135
Gabon flag
Gabon
7.721 %
136
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
7.711 %
137
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
7.703 %
138
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
7.634 %
139
India flag
India
7.624 %
140
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
7.621 %
141
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
7.602 %
142
Morocco flag
Morocco
7.565 %
143
Nepal flag
Nepal
7.562 %
144
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
7.556 %
145
Guinea flag
Guinea
7.347 %
146
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
7.234 %
147
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
7.227 %
148
Algeria flag
Algeria
7.224 %
149
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
7.161 %
150
Maldives flag
Maldives
7.076 %
151
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
7.036 %
152
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
6.949 %
153
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
6.916 %
154
Guyana flag
Guyana
6.915 %
155
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
6.908 %
156
Iran flag
Iran
6.838 %
157
Belize flag
Belize
6.751 %
158
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
6.567 %
159
Haiti flag
Haiti
6.505 %
160
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
6.489 %
161
Senegal flag
Senegal
6.483 %
162
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
6.456 %
163
Fiji flag
Fiji
6.452 %
164
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
6.452 %
165
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
6.372 %
166
Egypt flag
Egypt
6.325 %
167
Togo flag
Togo
6.322 %
168
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
6.277 %
169
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
6.251 %
170
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
6.235 %
171
Laos flag
Laos
6.152 %
172
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
6.114 %
173
Libya flag
Libya
6.057 %
174
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
6.038 %
175
Liberia flag
Liberia
6.035 %
176
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
6.022 %
177
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
6.017 %
178
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
6.005 %
179
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
5.968 %
180
Ghana flag
Ghana
5.945 %
181
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
5.898 %
182
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
5.854 %
183
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
5.852 %
184
Benin flag
Benin
5.813 %
185
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
5.766 %
186
Mali flag
Mali
5.732 %
187
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
5.7 %
188
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
5.636 %
189
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
5.627 %
190
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
5.614 %
191
Namibia flag
Namibia
5.583 %
192
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
5.581 %
193
Botswana flag
Botswana
5.523 %
194
Jordan flag
Jordan
5.522 %
195
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
5.478 %
196
Iraq flag
Iraq
5.432 %
197
Philippines flag
Philippines
5.404 %
198
Yemen flag
Yemen
5.312 %
199
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
5.283 %
200
Angola flag
Angola
5.26 %
201
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
5.241 %
202
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
5.228 %
203
Honduras flag
Honduras
5.213 %
204
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
5.163 %
205
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
5.161 %
206
Gambia flag
Gambia
5.152 %
207
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
5.143 %
208
Congo flag
Congo
5.132 %
209
Somalia flag
Somalia
5.115 %
210
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
5.088 %
211
Sudan flag
Sudan
5.076 %
212
Chad flag
Chad
4.892 %
213
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
4.883 %
214
Western Sahara flag
Western Sahara
4.856 %
215
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
4.855 %
216
Niger flag
Niger
4.778 %
217
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
4.728 %
218
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
4.702 %
219
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
4.602 %
220
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
4.502 %
221
Mayotte flag
Mayotte
4.482 %
222
Burundi flag
Burundi
4.431 %
223
Uganda flag
Uganda
4.425 %
224
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
4.308 %
225
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
4.069 %
226
Kenya flag
Kenya
3.949 %
227
Oman flag
Oman
3.854 %
228
Zambia flag
Zambia
3.816 %
229
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
3.622 %
230
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
3.598 %
231
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
3.504 %
232
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
2.787 %
233
Nauru flag
Nauru
2.476 %
234
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
2.335 %
235
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
2.092 %
236
Qatar flag
Qatar
1.304 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Holy See flagHoly See
  2. #2Monaco flagMonaco
  3. #3Japan flagJapan
  4. #4Italy flagItaly
  5. #5Germany flagGermany
  6. #6Greece flagGreece
  7. #7Croatia flagCroatia
  8. #8Sweden flagSweden
  9. #9Portugal flagPortugal
  10. #10Isle of Man flagIsle of Man

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #236Qatar flagQatar
  2. #235United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
  3. #234Kuwait flagKuwait
  4. #233Nauru flagNauru
  5. #232Bahrain flagBahrain
  6. #231Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  7. #230Northern Mariana Islands flagNorthern Mariana Islands
  8. #229Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  9. #228Zambia flagZambia
  10. #227Oman flagOman

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2007, the Old-Age Dependency Ratio was highest in the Holy See at 62.90%, while globally, it ranged from 5.26% to 62.90%. The global average was 13.38%, providing context for the disparity in demographic burdens across different regions.

Demographic Challenges and Economic Implications

The Old-Age Dependency Ratio is a critical indicator of economic sustainability, reflecting the proportion of elderly dependents relative to the working-age population. In countries like Japan (33.33%) and Italy (30.54%), the high ratios underscore significant demographic challenges. These nations face increasing pressures on social security systems and healthcare infrastructure due to aging populations. The economic implications are profound, necessitating strategic adjustments in labor markets and retirement policies to sustain economic growth.

Conversely, countries such as Angola (5.26%) and Ethiopia (5.28%) showcase low old-age dependency ratios, indicative of younger populations. These nations, while not burdened by aging populations, face different challenges such as high youth unemployment and the need for educational investments to harness their demographic dividends.

Regional Patterns and Influences

European countries dominate the higher end of the old-age dependency spectrum, with Germany (30.26%) and Greece (27.87%) exemplifying the continent's aging trend. Factors contributing to this pattern include long life expectancies and low birth rates, common in developed economies. Policies in these regions often focus on incentivizing labor force participation among older citizens and adjusting immigration policies to mitigate workforce shortages.

In stark contrast, many African and Middle Eastern countries, such as Yemen (5.31%) and Jordan (5.52%), report some of the lowest ratios. High fertility rates and lower life expectancies contribute to these figures. These regions are characterized by younger populations, which can be advantageous if harnessed correctly through economic reforms and investments in education and job creation.

Year-Over-Year Changes: Movers and Shakers

Analyzing the year-over-year changes provides insights into shifting demographic landscapes. The Holy See saw the most significant increase at +3.79% (6.4%), highlighting a rapid demographic aging process. Similarly, Japan experienced a noteworthy rise of +1.28% (4.0%), reinforcing its position as a country with one of the world's most aged populations.

On the flip side, Gibraltar experienced the largest decrease at -0.49% (-2.0%), a rare trend suggesting potential policy impacts or changes in population dynamics. Other countries like Kyrgyzstan (-0.31%) and Iceland (-0.24%) also saw declines, which may reflect shifts in birth rates or migration patterns.

Policy Responses and Future Outlook

Countries with high old-age dependency ratios are increasingly implementing policies to extend working lives and adjust pension systems. Sweden (26.53%) has been pioneering in this regard, with flexible retirement schemes and incentives for later retirement. Such measures are crucial for maintaining economic stability as the population ages.

Meanwhile, countries with low ratios must focus on leveraging their young populations through education and job creation, as seen in Namibia (5.58%) and Philippines (5.40%). By doing so, they can potentially transform demographic challenges into economic opportunities.

As the global demographic landscape continues to evolve, understanding and responding to the Old-Age Dependency Ratio will remain critical for policymakers worldwide. The need for tailored strategies that account for regional demographic realities will be vital in ensuring sustainable economic futures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Age Dependency Ratio in 2007

Which country had the highest old-age dependency ratio in 2007?

The Holy See had the highest old-age dependency ratio in 2007 with 62.9%.

Which country had the lowest old-age dependency ratio in 2007?

Qatar had the lowest old-age dependency ratio in 2007 with 1.3%.

What was the average old-age dependency ratio across all countries in 2007?

The average old-age dependency ratio across all countries in 2007 was 12%.

What was the median old-age dependency ratio in 2007?

The median old-age dependency ratio in 2007 was 8.81%.

How many countries were included in the old-age dependency ratio dataset for 2007?

The dataset for the old-age dependency ratio in 2007 included 236 countries.

Which countries were in the top three for old-age dependency ratio in 2007?

The top three countries for old-age dependency ratio in 2007 were the Holy See (62.9%), Monaco (37.1%), and Japan (33.33%).

Insights by country

1

Bahrain

Bahrain had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 2.7872603 % in 2007, ranking #232 out of 236 countries. This ratio is significantly lower than many countries with aging populations, such as Japan, which faces greater dependency challenges. The low ratio in Bahrain can be attributed to its relatively young population and high levels of immigration, which contribute to a workforce that supports the economy and reduces the burden of elderly care.

2

Bahamas

In 2007, the Bahamas had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 12.555345 %, ranking #82 out of 236 countries. This ratio is relatively low compared to countries with aging populations, such as Japan, which faces significant challenges due to a higher dependency ratio. The Bahamas benefits from a relatively young population and a tourism-driven economy, which supports a more favorable balance between working-age individuals and retirees.

3

Dominica

In 2007, Dominica had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 16.523653 %, ranking #64 out of 236 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to many developed nations, which often experience ratios exceeding 20%. The country's ratio reflects a younger population structure, supported by a relatively high birth rate and a lower life expectancy compared to global averages, which influences the economic support ratio for the elderly.

4

Cook Islands

In 2007, Cook Islands had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 11.799774 %, ranking #87 out of 236 countries. This ratio is relatively low compared to many developed nations, indicating a smaller proportion of elderly dependents relative to the working-age population. Contributing factors include a younger demographic profile and a stable economy that supports a balanced age distribution, fostering a sustainable workforce.

5

Burundi

In 2007, Burundi had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 4.4305997 %, ranking #222 out of 236 countries. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a relatively young population compared to many other nations.

The low dependency ratio reflects Burundi's demographic profile, characterized by high fertility rates and a large youth population. Additionally, ongoing economic challenges and limited access to healthcare contribute to a lower life expectancy, further influencing the ratio.

6

Czech Republic

In 2007, the Czech Republic had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 20.324179 %, ranking #44 out of 236 countries. This ratio is lower than the European Union average, reflecting a relatively balanced demographic structure compared to its neighbors. The Czech Republic benefits from a well-developed healthcare system and social policies that support both the elderly and working-age population, contributing to its stable dependency ratio.

7

Brazil

In 2007, Brazil's Old-Age Dependency Ratio was 8.995364 %, ranking #115 out of 236 countries. This ratio is relatively low compared to countries like Japan, which has one of the highest dependency ratios globally. The low ratio reflects Brazil's younger population structure, driven by historical birth rates and recent improvements in healthcare, which have increased life expectancy without a corresponding rise in the elderly population.

8

Iran

In 2007, Iran had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 6.838316 %, ranking #156 out of 236 countries. This ratio is relatively low compared to countries like Japan, which has one of the highest dependency ratios globally. Iran's youthful population and lower life expectancy contribute to this statistic, reflecting a demographic structure that is still in transition as the country faces economic challenges and evolving healthcare policies.

9

Mali

Mali's Old-Age Dependency Ratio in 2007 was 5.732239 %, ranking it #186 out of 236 countries. This figure is significantly lower than many developed nations, reflecting Mali's younger demographic profile. The low ratio can be attributed to a high fertility rate and a relatively young population, with a median age of around 15 years, indicating that the country has a larger working-age population compared to its elderly citizens.

10

Madagascar

In 2007, Madagascar had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 5.1611967 %, ranking #205 out of 236 countries. This ratio is significantly lower compared to countries with aging populations, such as Japan, which faces challenges related to a high dependency ratio. Madagascar's relatively young population, driven by high birth rates and lower life expectancy, contributes to this low dependency ratio, indicating fewer elderly individuals reliant on the working-age population.

Data Source

Old-age dependency ratio | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive statistical data and visualizations on global development issues. The old-age dependency ratio dataset specifically offers insights into the ratio of older dependents to the working-age population across various countries.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Old-Age Dependency Ratio data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More People and Society Facts