Saudi Arabia Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio was 35.77 in 2025, ranked 208th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio stood at 35.77 in 2025, a decline of +0.79 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.77 by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 208th globally.
Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio has undergone significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, transforming from an all-time high of 93.77 in 1969 to a current low of 35.77 in 2025, ranking 208 globally. This drastic change is largely attributed to a substantial decline in the youth dependency ratio, resulting from improved healthcare and family planning measures, as well as a higher life expectancy. In comparison, Jamaica's dependency ratio, a peer country, stands at 36.29, while Singapore's is slightly lower at 34.58. The decline in Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio is expected to continue, driven by the country's aging population and lower fertility rates, which may lead to increased pressure on the workforce to support the elderly. Continued reforms aimed at increasing female participation in the workforce and encouraging foreign labor could potentially counterbalance this effect and sustain the downward trend in the dependency ratio, however, a shift in the country's demographic structure would likely necessitate more significant adjustments to its social security system.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 34.48 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 35.12 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 35.77 | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.77 | −0.79 | #208 |
| 2024 | 36.55 | −0.28 | #9 |
| 2023 | 36.83 | −0.81 | #9 |
| 2022 | 37.64 | −0.91 | #13 |
| 2021 | 38.55 | −0.36 | #16 |
| 2020 | 38.91 | −0.36 | #17 |
| 2019 | 39.28 | +0.31 | #19 |
| 2018 | 38.97 | +1.14 | #17 |
| 2017 | 37.83 | +0.60 | #14 |
| 2016 | 37.23 | −0.32 | #13 |
| 2015 | 37.55 | −0.74 | #14 |
| 2014 | 38.28 | −0.86 | #17 |
| 2013 | 39.14 | −1.03 | #20 |
| 2012 | 40.17 | −1.24 | #27 |
| 2011 | 41.41 | −1.49 | #32 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio was 35.77 in 2025. Ranked 208th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio peaked at 93.77 in 1969.
The lowest dependency ratio in Saudi Arabia was 35.77 in 2025.
Saudi Arabia ranks 208th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's dependency ratio is projected to reach 35.77 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 35.77. This ranks 208th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_dependency-ratio,
title = {Saudi Arabia Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}