Benin Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Benin's dependency ratio was 79.87 in 2025, ranked 16th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Benin's dependency ratio stood at 79.87 in 2025, a decline of +0.86 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 79.87 by 2025. Benin ranked 16th globally.
Benin’s dependency ratio, which measures the proportion of non‑working‑age individuals to those of working age, has fallen to 79.87 in 2025, ranking 16th worldwide and representing the lowest point since the series began in 1960 when it stood at 82.27. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 99.18 in 1988, reflecting a period of rapid population ageing and high child dependency that accompanied limited economic diversification. Over the 66‑year span, the gradual decline to the 2025 trough signals modest improvements in fertility control, increased life expectancy and modest gains in labour‑force participation. Benin’s current ratio is close to that of Zimbabwe (79.31) and slightly lower than Samoa’s 80.46, underscoring a regional convergence among lower‑income economies facing similar demographic transitions. Continued investment in education and health, coupled with policies that encourage higher labour‑force attachment, could further compress the dependency ratio and sustain the downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 78.16 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 79.02 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 79.87 | - | - |
| 2025 | 79.87 | −0.86 | #16 |
| 2024 | 80.74 | −0.83 | #202 |
| 2023 | 81.57 | −0.86 | #200 |
| 2022 | 82.43 | −0.88 | #200 |
| 2021 | 83.30 | −0.83 | #200 |
| 2020 | 84.14 | −0.74 | #198 |
| 2019 | 84.88 | −0.63 | #197 |
| 2018 | 85.51 | −0.49 | #196 |
| 2017 | 86.00 | −0.37 | #195 |
| 2016 | 86.37 | −0.32 | #196 |
| 2015 | 86.69 | −0.33 | #197 |
| 2014 | 87.02 | −0.32 | #196 |
| 2013 | 87.34 | −0.33 | #196 |
| 2012 | 87.66 | −0.40 | #195 |
| 2011 | 88.06 | −0.48 | #196 |
Analysis
Benin's dependency ratio was 79.87 in 2025, a decline of −0.86 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 79.87 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin's dependency ratio was 79.87 in 2025. Ranked 16th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
Benin's dependency ratio peaked at 99.18 in 1988.
The lowest dependency ratio in Benin was 79.87 in 2025.
Benin ranks 16th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Benin's dependency ratio is projected to reach 79.87 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Benin in 2025 was 79.87. This ranks 16th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_benin_dependency-ratio,
title = {Benin Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/benin/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}