Old-Age Dependency Ratio 2017
Old-age dependency ratio compares the number of elderly dependents to working-age people, affecting economic sustainability.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Holy See | 101.141 % | |
2 | Monaco | 66.309 % | |
3 | Japan | 46.983 % | |
4 | Italy | 35.183 % | |
5 | Saint Helena | 35.169 % | |
6 | Greece | 33.835 % | |
7 | Finland | 33.726 % | |
8 | Portugal | 33.229 % | |
9 | Isle of Man | 33.173 % | |
10 | Germany | 32.615 % | |
11 | Bulgaria | 32.124 % | |
12 | Sweden | 31.64 % | |
13 | France | 31.484 % | |
14 | Latvia | 31.102 % | |
15 | Martinique | 31.078 % | |
16 | Croatia | 30.829 % | |
17 | Puerto Rico | 30.604 % | |
18 | Estonia | 30.282 % | |
19 | Serbia | 30.237 % | |
20 | United States Virgin Islands | 30.071 % | |
21 | Denmark | 29.872 % | |
22 | Guernsey | 29.863 % | |
23 | Lithuania | 29.727 % | |
24 | Czech Republic | 29.221 % | |
25 | Belgium | 28.819 % | |
26 | Slovenia | 28.779 % | |
27 | Spain | 28.664 % | |
28 | San Marino | 28.508 % | |
29 | United Kingdom | 28.249 % | |
30 | Netherlands | 28.161 % | |
31 | Hungary | 28.153 % | |
32 | Faroe Islands | 28.022 % | |
33 | Malta | 27.961 % | |
34 | Austria | 27.77 % | |
35 | Guadeloupe | 27.627 % | |
36 | Gibraltar | 27.27 % | |
37 | Switzerland | 27.192 % | |
38 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 27.074 % | |
39 | Romania | 27.026 % | |
40 | Norway | 25.618 % | |
41 | Liechtenstein | 25.596 % | |
42 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 25.462 % | |
43 | Bermuda | 25.283 % | |
44 | Jersey | 25.23 % | |
45 | Canada | 24.95 % | |
46 | Poland | 24.081 % | |
47 | Australia | 23.373 % | |
48 | Montserrat | 23.251 % | |
49 | Ukraine | 23.227 % | |
50 | Montenegro | 22.985 % | |
51 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 22.985 % | |
52 | Uruguay | 22.917 % | |
53 | New Zealand | 22.619 % | |
54 | United States | 22.566 % | |
55 | Curaçao | 22.079 % | |
56 | Niue | 21.98 % | |
57 | Georgia | 21.97 % | |
58 | Slovakia | 21.944 % | |
59 | Belarus | 21.6 % | |
60 | Cuba | 21.36 % | |
61 | North Macedonia | 21.261 % | |
62 | Iceland | 21.096 % | |
63 | Ireland | 20.897 % | |
64 | Russia | 20.843 % | |
65 | Luxembourg | 20.569 % | |
66 | Barbados | 19.924 % | |
67 | Albania | 19.442 % | |
68 | Israel | 19.039 % | |
69 | South Korea | 18.963 % | |
70 | Republic of Moldova | 18.851 % | |
71 | Taiwan | 18.659 % | |
72 | Aruba | 18.59 % | |
73 | Andorra | 18.256 % | |
74 | Cyprus | 18.198 % | |
75 | Wallis and Futuna Islands | 17.912 % | |
76 | Argentina | 17.616 % | |
77 | Réunion | 17.274 % | |
78 | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 17.251 % | |
79 | Chile | 17.137 % | |
80 | Dominica | 17.016 % | |
81 | Armenia | 16.76 % | |
82 | Cook Islands | 15.963 % | |
83 | Thailand | 15.764 % | |
84 | Tokelau | 15.75 % | |
85 | North Korea | 15.588 % | |
86 | China | 15.537 % | |
87 | Grenada | 15.269 % | |
88 | Bahamas | 15.227 % | |
89 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 15.172 % | |
90 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 14.887 % | |
91 | Sri Lanka | 14.668 % | |
92 | Guam | 14.531 % | |
93 | New Caledonia | 13.954 % | |
94 | Mauritius | 13.693 % | |
95 | Costa Rica | 13.642 % | |
96 | Saint Barthélemy | 13.167 % | |
97 | Peru | 12.957 % | |
98 | Singapore | 12.822 % | |
99 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 12.631 % | |
100 | Trinidad and Tobago | 12.45 % | |
101 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 12.42 % | |
102 | Antigua and Barbuda | 12.378 % | |
103 | China, Macao SAR | 12.324 % | |
104 | Brazil | 12.313 % | |
105 | Anguilla | 12.249 % | |
106 | Saint Martin (French part) | 12.221 % | |
107 | Lebanon | 12.032 % | |
108 | Panama | 11.688 % | |
109 | Turkey | 11.556 % | |
110 | Greenland | 11.538 % | |
111 | Palau | 11.534 % | |
112 | Saint Lucia | 11.44 % | |
113 | French Polynesia | 11.429 % | |
114 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 11.34 % | |
115 | El Salvador | 11.31 % | |
116 | Colombia | 11.079 % | |
117 | Kazakhstan | 11.069 % | |
118 | Tunisia | 10.897 % | |
119 | Ecuador | 10.764 % | |
120 | Venezuela | 10.74 % | |
121 | Mexico | 10.568 % | |
122 | Tonga | 10.555 % | |
123 | British Virgin Islands | 10.364 % | |
124 | Seychelles | 9.946 % | |
125 | Vietnam | 9.828 % | |
126 | Suriname | 9.751 % | |
127 | Timor-Leste | 9.688 % | |
128 | Morocco | 9.395 % | |
129 | Dominican Republic | 9.364 % | |
130 | Iran | 9.339 % | |
131 | Jamaica | 9.339 % | |
132 | Nepal | 9.311 % | |
133 | Indonesia | 9.283 % | |
134 | Bolivia | 9.01 % | |
135 | Paraguay | 8.957 % | |
136 | American Samoa | 8.88 % | |
137 | Malaysia | 8.817 % | |
138 | India | 8.779 % | |
139 | Azerbaijan | 8.778 % | |
140 | Guyana | 8.736 % | |
141 | Myanmar | 8.734 % | |
142 | Cayman Islands | 8.707 % | |
143 | Samoa | 8.707 % | |
144 | Tuvalu | 8.694 % | |
145 | French Guiana | 8.674 % | |
146 | Bhutan | 8.539 % | |
147 | South Africa | 8.506 % | |
148 | Algeria | 8.463 % | |
149 | Fiji | 8.388 % | |
150 | Cabo Verde | 8.265 % | |
151 | Kyrgyzstan | 8.164 % | |
152 | Bangladesh | 8.132 % | |
153 | Comoros | 7.836 % | |
154 | Syrian Arab Republic | 7.81 % | |
155 | Cambodia | 7.744 % | |
156 | Nicaragua | 7.704 % | |
157 | Uzbekistan | 7.455 % | |
158 | Eritrea | 7.398 % | |
159 | Northern Mariana Islands | 7.335 % | |
160 | Guatemala | 7.108 % | |
161 | Egypt | 7.097 % | |
162 | Libya | 7.078 % | |
163 | Western Sahara | 7.016 % | |
164 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 6.937 % | |
165 | Haiti | 6.806 % | |
166 | Vanuatu | 6.786 % | |
167 | Djibouti | 6.784 % | |
168 | Pakistan | 6.75 % | |
169 | Gabon | 6.723 % | |
170 | Sao Tome and Principe | 6.686 % | |
171 | Guinea | 6.48 % | |
172 | Philippines | 6.48 % | |
173 | Laos | 6.464 % | |
174 | Mauritania | 6.457 % | |
175 | Brunei Darussalam | 6.446 % | |
176 | Togo | 6.445 % | |
177 | Belize | 6.417 % | |
178 | Senegal | 6.39 % | |
179 | Solomon Islands | 6.388 % | |
180 | Lesotho | 6.364 % | |
181 | Zimbabwe | 6.35 % | |
182 | Kiribati | 6.202 % | |
183 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 6.077 % | |
184 | Mongolia | 6.069 % | |
185 | Botswana | 5.956 % | |
186 | Namibia | 5.939 % | |
187 | Eswatini | 5.916 % | |
188 | State of Palestine | 5.895 % | |
189 | Liberia | 5.83 % | |
190 | Honduras | 5.827 % | |
191 | Ghana | 5.788 % | |
192 | Equatorial Guinea | 5.721 % | |
193 | Jordan | 5.652 % | |
194 | Benin | 5.631 % | |
195 | Sierra Leone | 5.609 % | |
196 | Tanzania | 5.587 % | |
197 | Rwanda | 5.578 % | |
198 | Nigeria | 5.575 % | |
199 | Malawi | 5.516 % | |
200 | Iraq | 5.515 % | |
201 | Turkmenistan | 5.479 % | |
202 | Ethiopia | 5.388 % | |
203 | Mozambique | 5.365 % | |
204 | Marshall Islands | 5.292 % | |
205 | Madagascar | 5.273 % | |
206 | Maldives | 5.252 % | |
207 | Guinea-Bissau | 5.21 % | |
208 | Mali | 5.201 % | |
209 | Cameroon | 5.171 % | |
210 | Angola | 5.156 % | |
211 | Sudan | 5.081 % | |
212 | Niger | 5.078 % | |
213 | Tajikistan | 4.998 % | |
214 | Mayotte | 4.969 % | |
215 | Somalia | 4.911 % | |
216 | Burkina Faso | 4.892 % | |
217 | Gambia | 4.86 % | |
218 | Congo | 4.856 % | |
219 | South Sudan | 4.813 % | |
220 | Papua New Guinea | 4.778 % | |
221 | Yemen | 4.701 % | |
222 | Burundi | 4.657 % | |
223 | Afghanistan | 4.514 % | |
224 | Côte d'Ivoire | 4.505 % | |
225 | Kenya | 4.492 % | |
226 | Central African Republic | 4.292 % | |
227 | Chad | 4.132 % | |
228 | Uganda | 3.878 % | |
229 | Kuwait | 3.853 % | |
230 | Oman | 3.391 % | |
231 | Bahrain | 3.363 % | |
232 | Zambia | 3.261 % | |
233 | Saudi Arabia | 3.142 % | |
234 | Nauru | 3.056 % | |
235 | United Arab Emirates | 1.809 % | |
236 | Qatar | 1.318 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #236
Qatar
- #235
United Arab Emirates
- #234
Nauru
- #233
Saudi Arabia
- #232
Zambia
- #231
Bahrain
- #230
Oman
- #229
Kuwait
- #228
Uganda
- #227
Chad
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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