Germany Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Germany's dependency ratio was 59.88 in 2025, ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Germany's dependency ratio stood at 59.88 in 2025, a rise of +0.89 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 59.88 by 2025. Germany ranked 73rd globally.
Germany’s total dependency ratio rose steadily from 48.72 in 1960 to a record 59.88 in 2025, the highest level recorded over the 66‑year series and placing the country 73rd worldwide. The ratio’s all‑time trough occurred in 1986 at 43.84, after which demographic ageing accelerated as fertility declined and life expectancy increased, pushing the proportion of non‑working dependents upward. By 2025 Germany’s ratio is marginally lower than Uzbekistan’s 59.94 and the Isle of Man’s 59.83, underscoring a convergence among advanced and emerging economies toward similar ageing pressures. The persistent rise reflects the combined impact of a shrinking labour force and expanding elderly cohorts, a pattern that mirrors the broader European experience. Future shifts in the trajectory will depend on policy responses such as extending working ages, encouraging higher fertility or immigration, which could moderate the upward trend in the coming decades.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 61.72 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.80 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 59.88 | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.88 | +0.89 | #73 |
| 2024 | 59.00 | +1.01 | #139 |
| 2023 | 57.99 | +0.83 | #135 |
| 2022 | 57.16 | +0.93 | #128 |
| 2021 | 56.23 | +0.94 | #119 |
| 2020 | 55.30 | +0.76 | #114 |
| 2019 | 54.54 | +0.66 | #107 |
| 2018 | 53.88 | +0.62 | #107 |
| 2017 | 53.26 | +0.68 | #105 |
| 2016 | 52.58 | +0.46 | #101 |
| 2015 | 52.12 | +0.29 | #100 |
| 2014 | 51.83 | +0.21 | #100 |
| 2013 | 51.62 | +0.04 | #104 |
| 2012 | 51.58 | −0.17 | #102 |
| 2011 | 51.75 | −0.37 | #104 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's dependency ratio was 59.88 in 2025. Ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
Germany's dependency ratio peaked at 59.88 in 2025.
The lowest dependency ratio in Germany was 43.84 in 1986.
Germany ranks 73rd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Germany's dependency ratio is projected to reach 59.88 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Germany in 2025 was 59.88. This ranks 73rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_dependency-ratio,
title = {Germany Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}