Norway Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Norway's dependency ratio was 53.94 in 2025, ranked 120th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Norway's dependency ratio stood at 53.94 in 2025, a rise of +0.16 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.94 by 2025. Norway ranked 120th globally.
Norway’s total dependency ratio stood at 53.94 in 2025, placing it 120th in the world according to the World Bank. The ratio, which measures the proportion of non‑working‑age persons to the working‑age population, has declined modestly from an all‑time peak of 59.95 in 1975 and a low of 50.90 in 2009, reflecting the combined effects of an aging population and gradual increases in labour‑force participation. Over the 66‑year series, the ratio fell by 4.68 points, a slower pace than in many peers; Paraguay and San Marino recorded similar levels at 54.02 and 53.90 respectively, while Jordan’s ratio was slightly lower at 53.31. The downward trend suggests that Norway’s demographic structure is stabilising, but future shifts in fertility, immigration policy or retirement age reforms could alter the trajectory, potentially slowing the decline or even prompting a modest rise in the dependency ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 53.97 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 53.95 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 53.94 | - | - |
| 2025 | 53.94 | +0.16 | #120 |
| 2024 | 53.78 | −0.16 | #99 |
| 2023 | 53.94 | −0.18 | #101 |
| 2022 | 54.12 | +0.13 | #101 |
| 2021 | 53.99 | +0.29 | #101 |
| 2020 | 53.70 | +0.25 | #97 |
| 2019 | 53.45 | +0.25 | #101 |
| 2018 | 53.20 | +0.38 | #100 |
| 2017 | 52.82 | +0.40 | #96 |
| 2016 | 52.42 | +0.31 | #100 |
| 2015 | 52.10 | +0.22 | #99 |
| 2014 | 51.89 | +0.22 | #101 |
| 2013 | 51.67 | +0.23 | #105 |
| 2012 | 51.44 | +0.22 | #101 |
| 2011 | 51.22 | +0.18 | #98 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Norway 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
Norway's dependency ratio was 53.94 in 2025. Ranked 120th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Norway's dependency ratio peaked at 59.95 in 1975.
The lowest dependency ratio in Norway was 50.90 in 2009.
Norway ranks 120th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Norway's dependency ratio is projected to reach 53.94 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Norway in 2025 was 53.94. This ranks 120th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_norway_dependency-ratio,
title = {Norway Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/norway/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}