Greenland Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Greenland's dependency ratio was 46.88 in 2025, ranked 166th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Greenland's dependency ratio stood at 46.88 in 2025, a rise of +0.66 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 46.88 by 2025. Greenland ranked 166th globally.
Greenland’s dependency ratio, which measures the share of the population that is either young (0‑14) or old (65+) relative to the working‑age cohort, has fallen dramatically from an all‑time peak of 92.47 in 1966 to a historic low of 39.21 in 1986, before climbing again to 46.88 in 2025, placing the territory 166th in the world. The long‑term decline reflects sustained out‑migration of younger adults and a modest rise in life expectancy, while the recent modest increase signals a modest rebound of the elderly share as health services improve. Greenland’s current ratio is closely aligned with peers such as Cuba (46.87) and Cabo Verde (46.86), both of which face similar demographic pressures from ageing populations and limited labour‑force growth. With a 66‑year coverage span, the indicator suggests that further reductions in out‑migration and policies encouraging higher fertility could reverse the upward trend, whereas continued ageing without labour‑market reforms would likely sustain the ratio near its present level.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 48.83 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.86 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 46.88 | - | - |
| 2025 | 46.88 | +0.66 | #166 |
| 2024 | 46.22 | +1.46 | #44 |
| 2023 | 44.76 | +1.13 | #37 |
| 2022 | 43.64 | +0.72 | #32 |
| 2021 | 42.92 | +0.63 | #29 |
| 2020 | 42.28 | +0.62 | #29 |
| 2019 | 41.66 | +0.53 | #27 |
| 2018 | 41.13 | +0.33 | #28 |
| 2017 | 40.80 | +0.20 | #27 |
| 2016 | 40.60 | +0.10 | #27 |
| 2015 | 40.50 | +0.02 | #26 |
| 2014 | 40.48 | −0.09 | #27 |
| 2013 | 40.57 | −0.20 | #28 |
| 2012 | 40.78 | −0.31 | #29 |
| 2011 | 41.09 | −0.43 | #30 |
Analysis
Greenland's dependency ratio was 46.88 in 2025, a rise of +0.66 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 46.88 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greenland's dependency ratio was 46.88 in 2025. Ranked 166th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from the previous year.
Greenland's dependency ratio peaked at 92.47 in 1966.
The lowest dependency ratio in Greenland was 39.21 in 1986.
Greenland ranks 166th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Greenland's dependency ratio is projected to reach 46.88 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Greenland in 2025 was 46.88. This ranks 166th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_greenland_dependency-ratio,
title = {Greenland Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/greenland/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}