Rwanda Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Rwanda's dependency ratio was 69.17 in 2025, ranked 45th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's dependency ratio stood at 69.17 in 2025, a decline of +1.15 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 69.17 by 2025. Rwanda ranked 45th globally.
Rwanda’s dependency ratio has undergone a pronounced decline over the past six decades, falling from 109.66 in 1960 to 69.17 in 2025, the lowest point on record and the 45th highest globally. This downward trajectory reflects sustained reductions in fertility rates and improvements in child survival, contributing to a shrinking youth population relative to the working-age cohort. The all-time peak of 118.45 in 1995 occurred amid post-conflict demographic disruptions and high fertility, but since then, the ratio has dropped by over 41 percentage points. In 2025, Rwanda’s dependency ratio is nearly identical to that of peer countries such as Equatorial Guinea, which recorded 69.19, underscoring a regional convergence in demographic structures. With a dependency burden now below 70, Rwanda benefits from a potential demographic dividend, provided investments in education, health, and job creation keep pace with labor force growth. Continued declines in the dependency ratio are likely in the near term, contingent on sustained fertility reductions and expanded economic opportunities for young adults.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 67.17 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.17 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 69.17 | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.17 | −1.15 | #45 |
| 2024 | 70.32 | −0.78 | #175 |
| 2023 | 71.10 | −0.96 | #175 |
| 2022 | 72.05 | −1.10 | #175 |
| 2021 | 73.15 | −1.17 | #176 |
| 2020 | 74.31 | −1.19 | #176 |
| 2019 | 75.50 | −1.08 | #177 |
| 2018 | 76.58 | −0.90 | #179 |
| 2017 | 77.48 | −0.76 | #178 |
| 2016 | 78.24 | −0.68 | #177 |
| 2015 | 78.92 | −0.61 | #177 |
| 2014 | 79.54 | −0.62 | #178 |
| 2013 | 80.16 | −0.68 | #182 |
| 2012 | 80.84 | −0.74 | #182 |
| 2011 | 81.57 | −0.74 | #181 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's dependency ratio was 69.17 in 2025. Ranked 45th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
Rwanda's dependency ratio peaked at 118.45 in 1995.
The lowest dependency ratio in Rwanda was 69.17 in 2025.
Rwanda ranks 45th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's dependency ratio is projected to reach 69.17 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Rwanda in 2025 was 69.17. This ranks 45th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_dependency-ratio,
title = {Rwanda Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}