Cameroon Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Cameroon's dependency ratio was 78.50 in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Cameroon's dependency ratio stood at 78.50 in 2025, a decline of +0.84 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 78.50 by 2025. Cameroon ranked 19th globally.
Cameroon’s total dependency ratio has risen modestly over the 66‑year series, moving from a low of 76.85 in 1960 to a peak of 99.22 in 1989 before easing to 78.50 in 2025, placing the country 19th globally. The post‑peak decline reflects demographic transitions typical of many sub‑Saharan economies, yet the ratio remains higher than that of Nigeria (77.36) and Burkina Faso (78.23) while closely matching Guinea’s 78.73. The 1989 apex coincided with a period of high fertility and limited labor‑force absorption, whereas subsequent improvements in health and education have slowed population ageing. Nevertheless, the current level indicates that roughly four dependents are supported by every ten working‑age persons, suggesting continued pressure on public services and private households. If Cameroon sustains recent gains in female labour participation and expands productive employment, the dependency ratio could gradually decline, easing fiscal burdens and supporting more inclusive growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 76.71 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 77.61 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 78.50 | - | - |
| 2025 | 78.50 | −0.84 | #19 |
| 2024 | 79.33 | −0.96 | #197 |
| 2023 | 80.30 | −0.93 | #198 |
| 2022 | 81.23 | −0.86 | #197 |
| 2021 | 82.09 | −0.79 | #196 |
| 2020 | 82.88 | −0.70 | #196 |
| 2019 | 83.58 | −0.54 | #194 |
| 2018 | 84.12 | −0.33 | #194 |
| 2017 | 84.45 | −0.28 | #193 |
| 2016 | 84.73 | −0.47 | #192 |
| 2015 | 85.20 | −0.80 | #192 |
| 2014 | 86.00 | −0.74 | #194 |
| 2013 | 86.74 | −0.38 | #194 |
| 2012 | 87.12 | −0.28 | #194 |
| 2011 | 87.39 | −0.26 | #195 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cameroon matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cameroon's dependency ratio was 78.50 in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
Cameroon's dependency ratio peaked at 99.22 in 1989.
The lowest dependency ratio in Cameroon was 76.85 in 1960.
Cameroon ranks 19th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cameroon's dependency ratio is projected to reach 78.50 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Cameroon in 2025 was 78.50. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cameroon_dependency-ratio,
title = {Cameroon Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cameroon/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}