Barbados Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Barbados's dependency ratio was 51.64 in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Barbados's dependency ratio stood at 51.64 in 2025, a rise of +0.60 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.64 by 2025. Barbados ranked 141st globally.
Barbados’ total dependency ratio has fallen markedly from an early‑record 71.70 in 1960 to 51.64 in 2025, placing the island at rank 141 globally. The ratio reached its all‑time high of 72.48 in 1967, a period when the economy was still heavily reliant on agriculture and a burgeoning tourism sector, before a gradual decline set in. The lowest point occurred in 2008, when the ratio dropped to 46.64, reflecting demographic shifts such as lower fertility and increased labor‑force participation among older adults. By 2025 Barbados’ ratio is virtually identical to that of peers such as Albania (51.72) and Spain (51.72), indicating a convergence with other middle‑income economies that have managed similar demographic transitions. Continued improvements in health outcomes and policies encouraging higher labor‑force attachment among older workers could sustain the downward trajectory, while any reversal in fertility trends or large‑scale migration flows would likely alter the path.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 52.69 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.16 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 51.64 | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.64 | +0.60 | #141 |
| 2024 | 51.04 | +0.48 | #73 |
| 2023 | 50.56 | +0.35 | #70 |
| 2022 | 50.21 | +0.59 | #65 |
| 2021 | 49.62 | +0.74 | #64 |
| 2020 | 48.88 | +0.65 | #61 |
| 2019 | 48.23 | +0.47 | #58 |
| 2018 | 47.76 | +0.32 | #58 |
| 2017 | 47.44 | +0.14 | #61 |
| 2016 | 47.30 | +0.01 | #61 |
| 2015 | 47.29 | +0.06 | #60 |
| 2014 | 47.23 | +0.08 | #62 |
| 2013 | 47.15 | +0.07 | #63 |
| 2012 | 47.09 | +0.05 | #63 |
| 2011 | 47.04 | +0.03 | #62 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Barbados matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2011. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbados's dependency ratio was 51.64 in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
Barbados's dependency ratio peaked at 72.48 in 1967.
The lowest dependency ratio in Barbados was 46.64 in 2008.
Barbados ranks 141st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Barbados's dependency ratio is projected to reach 51.64 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Barbados in 2025 was 51.64. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_barbados_dependency-ratio,
title = {Barbados Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/barbados/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}