Netherlands Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Netherlands's dependency ratio was 55.33 in 2025, ranked 106th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's dependency ratio stood at 55.33 in 2025, a rise of +0.24 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.33 by 2025. Netherlands ranked 106th globally.
The Netherlands’ total dependency ratio stood at 55.33 in 2025, placing it 106th worldwide and closely aligning with Hungary’s 55.37 and Australia’s 55.63. The ratio, which measures the proportion of non‑working‑age persons to the working‑age population, has fallen steadily from its all‑time peak of 63.88 in 1960, the year of the highest recorded burden, to a trough of 44.93 in 1988, before rebounding modestly in recent decades. Over the 66‑year coverage period, the decline reflects demographic transitions such as declining fertility, increased life expectancy and gradual ageing of the population, while the modest rise since the late 1980s corresponds with longer post‑retirement longevity and lower birth rates. As the Dutch labour force continues to contract relative to retirees, the dependency ratio is projected to climb gradually, unless policies that extend working lives or boost fertility succeed in altering the trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 55.92 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 55.62 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 55.33 | - | - |
| 2025 | 55.33 | +0.24 | #106 |
| 2024 | 55.09 | +0.46 | #112 |
| 2023 | 54.63 | +0.18 | #110 |
| 2022 | 54.45 | +0.25 | #106 |
| 2021 | 54.20 | +0.38 | #102 |
| 2020 | 53.82 | +0.31 | #98 |
| 2019 | 53.51 | +0.25 | #102 |
| 2018 | 53.26 | +0.28 | #101 |
| 2017 | 52.98 | +0.29 | #100 |
| 2016 | 52.70 | +0.27 | #102 |
| 2015 | 52.43 | +0.41 | #102 |
| 2014 | 52.01 | +0.59 | #103 |
| 2013 | 51.43 | +0.78 | #101 |
| 2012 | 50.65 | +1.01 | #99 |
| 2011 | 49.63 | +0.69 | #90 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands 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
Netherlands's dependency ratio was 55.33 in 2025. Ranked 106th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Netherlands's dependency ratio peaked at 63.88 in 1960.
The lowest dependency ratio in Netherlands was 44.93 in 1988.
Netherlands ranks 106th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's dependency ratio is projected to reach 55.33 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Netherlands in 2025 was 55.33. This ranks 106th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_dependency-ratio,
title = {Netherlands Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}