Colombia Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Colombia's dependency ratio was 42.79 in 2025, ranked 191st globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Colombia's dependency ratio stood at 42.79 in 2025, a decline of +0.17 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 42.79 by 2025. Colombia ranked 191st globally.
Colombia’s total dependency ratio has fallen dramatically over the 66‑year series, sliding from a post‑war high of 100.26 in 1964 to just 42.79 in 2025, a level that ranks it 191st globally and places it alongside peers such as Korea (43.40) and Thailand (43.55). The all‑time trough of 42.78 was recorded in 2022, confirming a sustained decline that reflects prolonged fertility reductions, rising labor‑force participation and ageing of the population. The early peak, recorded when the baby‑boom cohort entered the labour market, was driven by high birth rates and limited economic diversification, whereas the recent trough coincides with expanding secondary and tertiary education, urbanisation and more women in the workforce. The downward trajectory suggests a shrinking proportion of non‑working dependents, which could bolster per‑capita income growth if job creation keeps pace; however, any reversal in demographic trends or slowdown in labour‑market absorption could alter this path.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 42.71 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 42.75 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 42.79 | - | - |
| 2025 | 42.79 | −0.17 | #191 |
| 2024 | 42.96 | +0.16 | #27 |
| 2023 | 42.80 | +0.03 | #29 |
| 2022 | 42.78 | −0.11 | #27 |
| 2021 | 42.88 | −0.24 | #28 |
| 2020 | 43.12 | −0.38 | #31 |
| 2019 | 43.50 | −0.59 | #34 |
| 2018 | 44.09 | −0.75 | #35 |
| 2017 | 44.84 | −0.73 | #37 |
| 2016 | 45.57 | −0.63 | #49 |
| 2015 | 46.20 | −0.61 | #58 |
| 2014 | 46.80 | −0.70 | #60 |
| 2013 | 47.50 | −0.77 | #66 |
| 2012 | 48.27 | −0.80 | #77 |
| 2011 | 49.07 | −0.86 | #83 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Colombia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2023. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Colombia's dependency ratio was 42.79 in 2025. Ranked 191st globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Colombia's dependency ratio peaked at 100.26 in 1964.
The lowest dependency ratio in Colombia was 42.78 in 2022.
Colombia ranks 191st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Colombia's dependency ratio is projected to reach 42.79 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Colombia in 2025 was 42.79. This ranks 191st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_colombia_dependency-ratio,
title = {Colombia Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/colombia/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}