Congo, Democratic Republic of Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Congo, Democratic Republic of's dependency ratio was 96.57 in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's dependency ratio stood at 96.57 in 2025, a rise of +0.08 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 96.57 by 2025. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 3rd globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has maintained a consistently high dependency ratio over the past six decades, with a marked peak in 2009 when it reached 96.80, a value surpassed by only a few countries globally. The country's youth and elderly populations have historically been large contributors to this ratio, with 1963 witnessing the lowest point at 83.81. As of 2025, the dependency ratio has stabilized at 96.57, ranking third globally. This is comparable to the dependency ratios of peer countries such as Somalia, which had a ratio of 96.32 in the same year. The high dependency ratio in the Democratic Republic of Congo indicates a significant proportion of its population is either too young or too old to participate in the workforce, posing challenges for economic growth and development. A significant reduction in the fertility rate would likely alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a decrease in the dependency ratio and improved economic prospects in the years to come.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 96.52 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 96.55 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 96.57 | - | - |
| 2025 | 96.57 | +0.08 | #3 |
| 2024 | 96.50 | −0.19 | #212 |
| 2023 | 96.68 | −0.08 | #212 |
| 2022 | 96.77 | +0.04 | #211 |
| 2021 | 96.73 | +0.11 | #210 |
| 2020 | 96.61 | +0.26 | #209 |
| 2019 | 96.35 | +0.41 | #210 |
| 2018 | 95.94 | +0.14 | #210 |
| 2017 | 95.80 | −0.40 | #210 |
| 2016 | 96.20 | −0.33 | #209 |
| 2015 | 96.53 | +0.04 | #209 |
| 2014 | 96.48 | +0.03 | #210 |
| 2013 | 96.45 | +0.02 | #208 |
| 2012 | 96.43 | −0.08 | #209 |
| 2011 | 96.51 | −0.24 | #209 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's dependency ratio was 96.57 in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's dependency ratio peaked at 96.80 in 2009.
The lowest dependency ratio in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 83.81 in 1963.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 3rd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's dependency ratio is projected to reach 96.57 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 96.57. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_dependency-ratio,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}