Burkina Faso Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Burkina Faso's dependency ratio was 78.23 in 2025, ranked 20th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Burkina Faso's dependency ratio stood at 78.23 in 2025, a decline of +1.80 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 78.23 by 2025. Burkina Faso ranked 20th globally.
Burkina Faso's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of a country's population that is either too young or too old to work, has fluctuated significantly over the past six and a half decades. The country's dependency ratio reached its all-time peak of 102.51 in 1993, a period marked by economic stagnation and high population growth rates. In contrast, the trough of 73.90 in 1960 coincided with the country's transition to independence. Since then, the ratio has continued to rise, currently standing at 78.23, ranking the country 20th globally. Among its peer countries, Burkina Faso's dependency ratio is comparable to that of Cameroon, which has a ratio of 78.50. The rising trend in Burkina Faso's dependency ratio is likely to persist unless the country experiences significant economic growth, reductions in population growth rates, or targeted investments in education and healthcare to promote workforce participation.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 74.59 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 76.41 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 78.23 | - | - |
| 2025 | 78.23 | −1.80 | #20 |
| 2024 | 80.03 | −1.86 | #200 |
| 2023 | 81.89 | −1.81 | #202 |
| 2022 | 83.70 | −1.82 | #202 |
| 2021 | 85.51 | −1.81 | #202 |
| 2020 | 87.32 | −1.58 | #204 |
| 2019 | 88.90 | −1.25 | #204 |
| 2018 | 90.15 | −0.99 | #203 |
| 2017 | 91.14 | −0.81 | #204 |
| 2016 | 91.95 | −0.65 | #204 |
| 2015 | 92.60 | −0.48 | #205 |
| 2014 | 93.08 | −0.30 | #205 |
| 2013 | 93.38 | −0.15 | #205 |
| 2012 | 93.53 | −0.01 | #206 |
| 2011 | 93.54 | +0.17 | #207 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burkina Faso matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burkina Faso's dependency ratio was 78.23 in 2025. Ranked 20th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
Burkina Faso's dependency ratio peaked at 102.51 in 1993.
The lowest dependency ratio in Burkina Faso was 73.90 in 1960.
Burkina Faso ranks 20th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burkina Faso's dependency ratio is projected to reach 78.23 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Burkina Faso in 2025 was 78.23. This ranks 20th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burkina-faso_dependency-ratio,
title = {Burkina Faso Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burkina-faso/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}