Zimbabwe Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Zimbabwe's dependency ratio was 79.31 in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's dependency ratio stood at 79.31 in 2025, a decline of +0.79 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 79.31 by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 17th globally.
Zimbabwe’s total dependency ratio has fallen dramatically from a post‑independence high of 102.97 in 1960 to an all‑time trough of 79.31 in 2025, placing the country 17th globally. The peak of 109.74 recorded in 1979 reflected a large proportion of children and elderly relative to the working‑age population during a period of economic upheaval and war. Over the subsequent four decades the ratio declined steadily, driven by falling fertility rates, modest improvements in life expectancy and gradual urbanisation, bringing Zimbabwe’s 2025 figure close to that of its regional peers Benin (79.87) and Guinea (78.73). The 66‑year coverage shows a persistent downward trajectory, suggesting a slowly ageing but increasingly productive population structure. Continued reductions in fertility, coupled with policies that enhance labour‑force participation and health outcomes, could further compress the dependency burden, while any reversal in demographic trends or economic shocks might halt the current progress.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 77.24 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 78.28 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 79.31 | - | - |
| 2025 | 79.31 | −0.79 | #17 |
| 2024 | 80.10 | −1.52 | #201 |
| 2023 | 81.63 | −0.92 | #201 |
| 2022 | 82.55 | −0.84 | #201 |
| 2021 | 83.38 | −1.00 | #201 |
| 2020 | 84.38 | −1.06 | #199 |
| 2019 | 85.45 | −1.07 | #198 |
| 2018 | 86.52 | −1.00 | #198 |
| 2017 | 87.51 | −0.82 | #198 |
| 2016 | 88.33 | −0.51 | #199 |
| 2015 | 88.84 | −0.09 | #200 |
| 2014 | 88.93 | +0.29 | #198 |
| 2013 | 88.64 | +0.78 | #198 |
| 2012 | 87.86 | +1.06 | #197 |
| 2011 | 86.80 | +1.13 | #194 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's dependency ratio was 79.31 in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's dependency ratio peaked at 109.74 in 1979.
The lowest dependency ratio in Zimbabwe was 79.31 in 2025.
Zimbabwe ranks 17th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's dependency ratio is projected to reach 79.31 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 79.31. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_dependency-ratio,
title = {Zimbabwe Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}