Sweden Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Sweden's dependency ratio was 60.62 in 2025, ranked 68th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sweden's dependency ratio stood at 60.62 in 2025, a rise of +0.03 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 60.62 by 2025. Sweden ranked 68th globally.
Sweden’s total dependency ratio has risen steadily over the 66‑year span from 51.93 in 1960 to 60.62 in 2025, placing the country 68th in the world ranking. The ratio reached its all‑time high of 60.89 in 2021 before a modest decline to the current level, while the lowest point occurred in 1964 at 50.42, reflecting the demographic transition from a younger to an older population. The upward trajectory mirrors that of other high‑income European peers; for example, Portugal recorded a ratio of 60.19 in the same year, underscoring similar ageing pressures across the region. The increase is driven by low fertility, rising life expectancy and the post‑baby‑boom cohort entering retirement, which together expand the proportion of non‑working dependents relative to the labour force. Continued improvements in health and potential policy measures to extend working lives could temper future growth, but absent such interventions the dependency ratio is likely to keep climbing.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 60.53 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.57 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 60.62 | - | - |
| 2025 | 60.62 | +0.03 | #68 |
| 2024 | 60.60 | −0.14 | #149 |
| 2023 | 60.74 | −0.12 | #147 |
| 2022 | 60.85 | −0.04 | #150 |
| 2021 | 60.89 | +0.13 | #150 |
| 2020 | 60.76 | +0.18 | #148 |
| 2019 | 60.58 | +0.27 | #148 |
| 2018 | 60.32 | +0.37 | #149 |
| 2017 | 59.94 | +0.46 | #145 |
| 2016 | 59.49 | +0.65 | #143 |
| 2015 | 58.84 | +0.90 | #140 |
| 2014 | 57.93 | +1.09 | #138 |
| 2013 | 56.84 | +1.16 | #132 |
| 2012 | 55.68 | +1.12 | #127 |
| 2011 | 54.56 | +0.99 | #122 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sweden matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweden's dependency ratio was 60.62 in 2025. Ranked 68th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Sweden's dependency ratio peaked at 60.89 in 2021.
The lowest dependency ratio in Sweden was 50.42 in 1964.
Sweden ranks 68th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sweden's dependency ratio is projected to reach 60.62 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Sweden in 2025 was 60.62. This ranks 68th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sweden_dependency-ratio,
title = {Sweden Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sweden/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}