Old-Age Dependency Ratio 2017

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•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Holy See flag
Holy See
101.141 %
2
Monaco flag
Monaco
66.309 %
3
Japan flag
Japan
46.983 %
4
Italy flag
Italy
35.183 %
5
Saint Helena flag
Saint Helena
35.169 %
6
Greece flag
Greece
33.835 %
7
Finland flag
Finland
33.726 %
8
Portugal flag
Portugal
33.229 %
9
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
33.173 %
10
Germany flag
Germany
32.615 %
11
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
32.124 %
12
Sweden flag
Sweden
31.64 %
13
France flag
France
31.484 %
14
Latvia flag
Latvia
31.102 %
15
Martinique flag
Martinique
31.078 %
16
Croatia flag
Croatia
30.829 %
17
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
30.604 %
18
Estonia flag
Estonia
30.282 %
19
Serbia flag
Serbia
30.237 %
20
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
30.071 %
21
Denmark flag
Denmark
29.872 %
22
Guernsey flag
Guernsey
29.863 %
23
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
29.727 %
24
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
29.221 %
25
Belgium flag
Belgium
28.819 %
26
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
28.779 %
27
Spain flag
Spain
28.664 %
28
San Marino flag
San Marino
28.508 %
29
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
28.249 %
30
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
28.161 %
31
Hungary flag
Hungary
28.153 %
32
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
28.022 %
33
Malta flag
Malta
27.961 %
34
Austria flag
Austria
27.77 %
35
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
27.627 %
36
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
27.27 %
37
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
27.192 %
38
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
27.074 %
39
Romania flag
Romania
27.026 %
40
Norway flag
Norway
25.618 %
41
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
25.596 %
42
Saint Pierre and Miquelon flag
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
25.462 %
43
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
25.283 %
44
Jersey flag
Jersey
25.23 %
45
Canada flag
Canada
24.95 %
46
Poland flag
Poland
24.081 %
47
Australia flag
Australia
23.373 %
48
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
23.251 %
49
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
23.227 %
50
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
22.985 %
51
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
22.985 %
52
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
22.917 %
53
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
22.619 %
54
United States flag
United States
22.566 %
55
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
22.079 %
56
Niue flag
Niue
21.98 %
57
Georgia flag
Georgia
21.97 %
58
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
21.944 %
59
Belarus flag
Belarus
21.6 %
60
Cuba flag
Cuba
21.36 %
61
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
21.261 %
62
Iceland flag
Iceland
21.096 %
63
Ireland flag
Ireland
20.897 %
64
Russia flag
Russia
20.843 %
65
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
20.569 %
66
Barbados flag
Barbados
19.924 %
67
Albania flag
Albania
19.442 %
68
Israel flag
Israel
19.039 %
69
South Korea flag
South Korea
18.963 %
70
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
18.851 %
71
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
18.659 %
72
Aruba flag
Aruba
18.59 %
73
Andorra flag
Andorra
18.256 %
74
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
18.198 %
75
Wallis and Futuna Islands flag
Wallis and Futuna Islands
17.912 %
76
Argentina flag
Argentina
17.616 %
77
Réunion flag
Réunion
17.274 %
78
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba flag
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
17.251 %
79
Chile flag
Chile
17.137 %
80
Dominica flag
Dominica
17.016 %
81
Armenia flag
Armenia
16.76 %
82
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
15.963 %
83
Thailand flag
Thailand
15.764 %
84
Tokelau flag
Tokelau
15.75 %
85
North Korea flag
North Korea
15.588 %
86
China flag
China
15.537 %
87
Grenada flag
Grenada
15.269 %
88
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
15.227 %
89
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) flag
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
15.172 %
90
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
14.887 %
91
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
14.668 %
92
Guam flag
Guam
14.531 %
93
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
13.954 %
94
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
13.693 %
95
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
13.642 %
96
Saint Barthélemy flag
Saint Barthélemy
13.167 %
97
Peru flag
Peru
12.957 %
98
Singapore flag
Singapore
12.822 %
99
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
12.631 %
100
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
12.45 %
101
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
12.42 %
102
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
12.378 %
103
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
12.324 %
104
Brazil flag
Brazil
12.313 %
105
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
12.249 %
106
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
12.221 %
107
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
12.032 %
108
Panama flag
Panama
11.688 %
109
Turkey flag
Turkey
11.556 %
110
Greenland flag
Greenland
11.538 %
111
Palau flag
Palau
11.534 %
112
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
11.44 %
113
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
11.429 %
114
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
11.34 %
115
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
11.31 %
116
Colombia flag
Colombia
11.079 %
117
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
11.069 %
118
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
10.897 %
119
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
10.764 %
120
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
10.74 %
121
Mexico flag
Mexico
10.568 %
122
Tonga flag
Tonga
10.555 %
123
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
10.364 %
124
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
9.946 %
125
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
9.828 %
126
Suriname flag
Suriname
9.751 %
127
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
9.688 %
128
Morocco flag
Morocco
9.395 %
129
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
9.364 %
130
Iran flag
Iran
9.339 %
131
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
9.339 %
132
Nepal flag
Nepal
9.311 %
133
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
9.283 %
134
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
9.01 %
135
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
8.957 %
136
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
8.88 %
137
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
8.817 %
138
India flag
India
8.779 %
139
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
8.778 %
140
Guyana flag
Guyana
8.736 %
141
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
8.734 %
142
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
8.707 %
143
Samoa flag
Samoa
8.707 %
144
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
8.694 %
145
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
8.674 %
146
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
8.539 %
147
South Africa flag
South Africa
8.506 %
148
Algeria flag
Algeria
8.463 %
149
Fiji flag
Fiji
8.388 %
150
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
8.265 %
151
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
8.164 %
152
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
8.132 %
153
Comoros flag
Comoros
7.836 %
154
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
7.81 %
155
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
7.744 %
156
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
7.704 %
157
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
7.455 %
158
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
7.398 %
159
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
7.335 %
160
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
7.108 %
161
Egypt flag
Egypt
7.097 %
162
Libya flag
Libya
7.078 %
163
Western Sahara flag
Western Sahara
7.016 %
164
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
6.937 %
165
Haiti flag
Haiti
6.806 %
166
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
6.786 %
167
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
6.784 %
168
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
6.75 %
169
Gabon flag
Gabon
6.723 %
170
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
6.686 %
171
Guinea flag
Guinea
6.48 %
172
Philippines flag
Philippines
6.48 %
173
Laos flag
Laos
6.464 %
174
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
6.457 %
175
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
6.446 %
176
Togo flag
Togo
6.445 %
177
Belize flag
Belize
6.417 %
178
Senegal flag
Senegal
6.39 %
179
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
6.388 %
180
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
6.364 %
181
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
6.35 %
182
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
6.202 %
183
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
6.077 %
184
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
6.069 %
185
Botswana flag
Botswana
5.956 %
186
Namibia flag
Namibia
5.939 %
187
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
5.916 %
188
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
5.895 %
189
Liberia flag
Liberia
5.83 %
190
Honduras flag
Honduras
5.827 %
191
Ghana flag
Ghana
5.788 %
192
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
5.721 %
193
Jordan flag
Jordan
5.652 %
194
Benin flag
Benin
5.631 %
195
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
5.609 %
196
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
5.587 %
197
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
5.578 %
198
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
5.575 %
199
Malawi flag
Malawi
5.516 %
200
Iraq flag
Iraq
5.515 %
201
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
5.479 %
202
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
5.388 %
203
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
5.365 %
204
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
5.292 %
205
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
5.273 %
206
Maldives flag
Maldives
5.252 %
207
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
5.21 %
208
Mali flag
Mali
5.201 %
209
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
5.171 %
210
Angola flag
Angola
5.156 %
211
Sudan flag
Sudan
5.081 %
212
Niger flag
Niger
5.078 %
213
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
4.998 %
214
Mayotte flag
Mayotte
4.969 %
215
Somalia flag
Somalia
4.911 %
216
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
4.892 %
217
Gambia flag
Gambia
4.86 %
218
Congo flag
Congo
4.856 %
219
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
4.813 %
220
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
4.778 %
221
Yemen flag
Yemen
4.701 %
222
Burundi flag
Burundi
4.657 %
223
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
4.514 %
224
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
4.505 %
225
Kenya flag
Kenya
4.492 %
226
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
4.292 %
227
Chad flag
Chad
4.132 %
228
Uganda flag
Uganda
3.878 %
229
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
3.853 %
230
Oman flag
Oman
3.391 %
231
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
3.363 %
232
Zambia flag
Zambia
3.261 %
233
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
3.142 %
234
Nauru flag
Nauru
3.056 %
235
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
1.809 %
236
Qatar flag
Qatar
1.318 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Holy See flagHoly See
  2. #2Monaco flagMonaco
  3. #3Japan flagJapan
  4. #4Italy flagItaly
  5. #5Saint Helena flagSaint Helena
  6. #6Greece flagGreece
  7. #7Finland flagFinland
  8. #8Portugal flagPortugal
  9. #9Isle of Man flagIsle of Man
  10. #10Germany flagGermany

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. #234Nauru flagNauru
  4. #233Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  5. #232Zambia flagZambia
  6. #231Bahrain flagBahrain
  7. #230Oman flagOman
  8. #229Kuwait flagKuwait
  9. #228Uganda flagUganda
  10. #227Chad flagChad

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

Analysis & Context

In 2017, the Holy See led the world with the highest Old-Age Dependency Ratio at 101.14%, while the global range extended from a minimum of 5.52% to this peak value. The average Old-Age Dependency Ratio across 200 countries was 16.46%, providing a broad context for understanding global aging trends and economic impacts.

Economic Implications of High Dependency Ratios

The Old-Age Dependency Ratio is a critical measure for assessing economic sustainability as it reflects the burden on the working-age population to support the elderly. Countries like Japan (46.98%), Italy (35.18%), and Germany (32.61%) illustrate the economic challenges faced by nations with older populations. These countries are characterized by advanced economies and high life expectancies, resulting in a larger proportion of elderly dependents. This demographic shift necessitates robust pension systems and healthcare infrastructure, placing considerable fiscal pressure on governments. In contrast, countries with lower dependency ratios, such as Nigeria (5.57%) and Rwanda (5.58%), are often in earlier stages of economic development with younger populations, which can be advantageous for economic growth but may also signal future challenges as these populations age.

Demographic and Geographic Drivers

Geographic and demographic factors significantly influence Old-Age Dependency Ratios. For instance, Monaco (66.31%) and Finland (33.73%) have high ratios due to their affluent populations and high standards of living, which contribute to longer life expectancies. In contrast, nations like Iraq (5.52%) and Jordan (5.65%) have low dependency ratios, reflecting younger populations often due to higher birth rates and lower life expectancies. The data suggests that regions with more developed economies and healthcare systems tend to have higher ratios, highlighting the complex interplay between economic development, healthcare access, and demographic trends.

Policy Responses to Aging Populations

Countries with high Old-Age Dependency Ratios have implemented various policies to mitigate the economic impact of aging populations. Japan, facing one of the highest dependency ratios, has invested in robotics and technology to supplement its shrinking workforce. Similarly, Germany has reformed its pension system and encouraged immigration to bolster its labor force. These strategies are essential for maintaining economic stability and ensuring that the needs of elderly populations are met without overburdening younger generations.

Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes

Analyzing year-over-year changes, certain countries experienced significant shifts in their Old-Age Dependency Ratios. Saint Helena saw the largest increase of 2.05% (6.2%), reflecting its aging population. In contrast, the Holy See experienced a notable decrease of 1.89% (-1.8%), potentially due to demographic shifts or policy changes. Puerto Rico and Monaco also saw increases, suggesting trends towards older populations in these regions. Conversely, Malawi experienced a decrease of 0.21% (-3.6%), indicative of its youthful demographic structure. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of global demographics and the necessity for adaptive economic and social policies.

The Old-Age Dependency Ratio is not merely a statistical measure but a reflection of the broader socio-economic fabric of nations. Understanding its implications helps policymakers anticipate challenges and opportunities associated with aging populations, ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Age Dependency Ratio in 2017

Which country had the highest old-age dependency ratio in 2017?

The Holy See had the highest old-age dependency ratio in 2017, with a rate of 101%.

Which country had the lowest old-age dependency ratio in 2017?

Qatar had the lowest old-age dependency ratio in 2017, with a rate of 1.32%.

What was the average old-age dependency ratio across all countries in 2017?

The average old-age dependency ratio across all countries in 2017 was 14.63%.

What was the median old-age dependency ratio in 2017?

The median old-age dependency ratio in 2017 was 10.83%.

Which countries were in the top 10 for old-age dependency ratio in 2017?

The top 10 countries for old-age dependency ratio in 2017 were Holy See, Monaco, Japan, Italy, Saint Helena, Greece, Finland, Portugal, Isle of Man, and Germany.

Which countries were in the bottom 10 for old-age dependency ratio in 2017?

The bottom 10 countries for old-age dependency ratio in 2017 were Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Nauru, Saudi Arabia, Zambia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Uganda, and Chad.

Insights by country

1

Monaco

In 2017, Monaco had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 66.309044 %, ranking #2 out of 236 countries. This ratio is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the challenges faced by aging populations worldwide. The high dependency ratio in Monaco is driven by its affluent lifestyle, attracting retirees and a demographic trend of longer life expectancy, coupled with a relatively low birth rate.

2

Gabon

In 2017, Gabon had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 6.7226906 %, ranking #169 out of 236 countries. This ratio is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a relatively young population compared to many developed nations. Key factors contributing to this low ratio include Gabon's economic reliance on oil exports, which has influenced demographic trends, and a relatively lower life expectancy compared to countries with higher dependency ratios.

3

Ecuador

Ecuador's Old-Age Dependency Ratio in 2017 was 10.763659 %, ranking it #119 out of 236 countries. This figure is lower than the global average, indicating a relatively young population compared to many developed nations. Contributing factors include a significant proportion of the population being in working age, alongside ongoing urbanization and migration trends that influence demographic structure.

4

Angola

In 2017, Angola had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 5.156217 %, ranking #210 out of 236 countries. This ratio is significantly lower than that of many developed nations, where aging populations are more prevalent. Angola's young demographic profile, characterized by a high birth rate and a relatively low life expectancy, contributes to this low dependency ratio, indicating a smaller proportion of elderly individuals compared to the working-age population.

5

Mexico

In 2017, Mexico's Old-Age Dependency Ratio was 10.567999 %, ranking #121 out of 236 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to countries with aging populations, such as Japan, which faces much higher dependency ratios. Mexico's youthful demographic profile, characterized by a larger proportion of working-age individuals, contributes to this lower ratio, although the country is experiencing gradual aging trends that may impact future ratios.

6

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde's Old-Age Dependency Ratio was 8.265272 % in 2017, ranking #150 out of 236 countries. This ratio is relatively low compared to many developed nations, which often exceed 20%. The country's youthful demographic profile, driven by high birth rates and decreasing mortality, contributes to this lower dependency ratio, indicating a smaller proportion of elderly citizens relative to the working-age population.

7

Morocco

In 2017, Morocco had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 9.394554 %, ranking #128 out of 236 countries. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a relatively younger population compared to many developed nations. Contributing factors include Morocco's ongoing economic development and a historically high birth rate, which together shape its demographic profile and influence the ratio of dependents to the working-age population.

8

Bulgaria

Bulgaria had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 32.123592 % in 2017, ranking #11 globally out of 236 countries. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a growing proportion of elderly citizens compared to the working-age population. Contributing factors include Bulgaria's low birth rate, which has been influenced by economic challenges and migration trends, leading to an increasingly aging demographic.

9

Cayman Islands

In 2017, the Cayman Islands had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 8.70715 %, ranking #142 out of 236 countries. This ratio is notably lower than many other nations, indicating a relatively smaller proportion of elderly dependents compared to the working-age population.

The low ratio can be attributed to the Cayman Islands' favorable economic conditions and its appeal as a destination for younger expatriates, which helps maintain a balanced demographic structure. Additionally, the territory's healthcare and social policies support a healthier aging population, contributing to this favorable dependency ratio.

10

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba had an Old-Age Dependency Ratio of 17.251411 % in 2017, ranking #78 out of 236 countries. This ratio is relatively low compared to regions with aging populations, such as Europe, where many countries exceed 30%. The demographic makeup of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba reflects a younger population, influenced by migration patterns and local economic conditions that attract younger workers to the islands.

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.

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Historical Data by Year

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

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