Italy Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Italy's dependency ratio was 57.60 in 2025, ranked 91st globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Italy's dependency ratio stood at 57.60 in 2025, a rise of +0.08 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.60 by 2025. Italy ranked 91st globally.
Italy’s total dependency ratio has risen steadily over the 66‑year series, moving from 52.71 in 1960 to a record 57.60 in 2025, the highest level observed and placing the country 91st in the world. The ratio’s lowest point occurred in 1992 at 44.75, after which demographic aging and low fertility have driven a persistent upward trajectory. By 2025 Italy’s dependency burden is marginally lower than Bulgaria’s 57.65 and Denmark’s 57.74, but slightly above Puerto Rico’s 57.48, underscoring a convergence with other high‑ratio economies in Southern Europe and the broader Euro‑area. The long‑term rise reflects an expanding share of retirees relative to the working‑age population, compounded by modest gains in labor‑force participation among older cohorts. Continued improvements in health, pension reforms, or policies that boost labor‑force attachment of women and older workers could temper the climb, while further population aging would likely sustain the upward pressure on the ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 57.95 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.78 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 57.60 | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.60 | +0.08 | #91 |
| 2024 | 57.52 | +0.38 | #130 |
| 2023 | 57.14 | +0.11 | #127 |
| 2022 | 57.03 | +0.10 | #127 |
| 2021 | 56.93 | +0.18 | #125 |
| 2020 | 56.75 | +0.19 | #127 |
| 2019 | 56.56 | +0.26 | #126 |
| 2018 | 56.31 | +0.18 | #127 |
| 2017 | 56.13 | +0.21 | #130 |
| 2016 | 55.92 | +0.31 | #130 |
| 2015 | 55.61 | +0.51 | #128 |
| 2014 | 55.10 | +0.66 | #122 |
| 2013 | 54.44 | +0.67 | #119 |
| 2012 | 53.77 | +0.64 | #115 |
| 2011 | 53.13 | +0.47 | #115 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Italy's dependency ratio was 57.60 in 2025. Ranked 91st globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Italy's dependency ratio peaked at 57.60 in 2025.
The lowest dependency ratio in Italy was 44.75 in 1992.
Italy ranks 91st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Italy's dependency ratio is projected to reach 57.60 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Italy in 2025 was 57.60. This ranks 91st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_dependency-ratio,
title = {Italy Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}