Belgium Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Belgium's dependency ratio was 57.97 in 2025, ranked 86th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Belgium's dependency ratio stood at 57.97 in 2025, a rise of +0.35 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.97 by 2025. Belgium ranked 86th globally.
Belgium’s total dependency ratio, which measures the share of the non‑working‑age population relative to the working‑age cohort, stood at 57.97 in 2025, placing the country 86th in the world. This figure is marginally below the all‑time peak of 58.75 recorded in 1969 and above the historic low of 48.21 reached in 1986, indicating a gradual upward drift over the 66‑year series. The post‑World War II baby boom and subsequent ageing of the population have been the primary drivers of the long‑term rise, while modest gains in labor‑force participation have limited sharper increases. Belgium’s ratio is virtually identical to that of the United Kingdom (57.98) and slightly higher than the European Union average of 57.80, underscoring a regional convergence in demographic pressures. Continued improvements in health expectancy and policies that extend working lives could temper future growth, but without substantial fertility rebounds the ratio is likely to keep climbing modestly in the coming decades.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 58.64 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 58.30 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 57.97 | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.97 | +0.35 | #86 |
| 2024 | 57.61 | +0.29 | #131 |
| 2023 | 57.32 | +0.34 | #129 |
| 2022 | 56.98 | +0.40 | #125 |
| 2021 | 56.58 | +0.27 | #121 |
| 2020 | 56.31 | +0.25 | #120 |
| 2019 | 56.06 | +0.40 | #121 |
| 2018 | 55.65 | +0.48 | #122 |
| 2017 | 55.18 | +0.52 | #121 |
| 2016 | 54.65 | +0.43 | #120 |
| 2015 | 54.22 | +0.47 | #117 |
| 2014 | 53.75 | +0.59 | #114 |
| 2013 | 53.16 | +0.56 | #110 |
| 2012 | 52.60 | +0.56 | #109 |
| 2011 | 52.04 | +0.39 | #106 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's dependency ratio was 57.97 in 2025. Ranked 86th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Belgium's dependency ratio peaked at 58.75 in 1969.
The lowest dependency ratio in Belgium was 48.21 in 1986.
Belgium ranks 86th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's dependency ratio is projected to reach 57.97 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Belgium in 2025 was 57.97. This ranks 86th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_dependency-ratio,
title = {Belgium Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}