Spain Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Spain's dependency ratio was 51.72 in 2025, ranked 139th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Spain's dependency ratio stood at 51.72 in 2025, a rise of +0.05 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.72 by 2025. Spain ranked 139th globally.
Spain's dependency ratio has fluctuated significantly over the past six and a half decades, with a peak of 60.59 in 1973 and a trough of 44.98 in 2007. The country's ratio currently stands at 51.72, ranking #139 globally according to the World Bank. In comparison, Spain's dependency ratio is closely matched by that of Aruba, which also has a ratio of 51.76. Since 1960, Spain's dependency ratio has trended downward, albeit with some variation, as the country's population has aged. The decline from the 1973 peak reflects the gradual increase in the working-age population and the decrease in the number of dependents. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent demographic shifts may alter this trajectory, potentially leading to an increase in Spain's dependency ratio in the years ahead.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 52.09 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.91 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 51.72 | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.72 | +0.05 | #139 |
| 2024 | 51.67 | +0.36 | #79 |
| 2023 | 51.31 | +0.29 | #76 |
| 2022 | 51.02 | +0.14 | #75 |
| 2021 | 50.88 | −0.09 | #74 |
| 2020 | 50.96 | −0.16 | #75 |
| 2019 | 51.13 | −0.09 | #80 |
| 2018 | 51.21 | +0.12 | #79 |
| 2017 | 51.09 | +0.29 | #83 |
| 2016 | 50.80 | +0.33 | #83 |
| 2015 | 50.46 | +0.52 | #88 |
| 2014 | 49.94 | +0.86 | #85 |
| 2013 | 49.08 | +0.90 | #79 |
| 2012 | 48.18 | +0.74 | #75 |
| 2011 | 47.44 | +0.79 | #67 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Spain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Spain's dependency ratio was 51.72 in 2025. Ranked 139th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Spain's dependency ratio peaked at 60.59 in 1973.
The lowest dependency ratio in Spain was 44.98 in 2007.
Spain ranks 139th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Spain's dependency ratio is projected to reach 51.72 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Spain in 2025 was 51.72. This ranks 139th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_spain_dependency-ratio,
title = {Spain Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/spain/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}