Demographic pressures rising: Which countries bear the heaviest burden?

The age dependency ratio—which measures the share of dependents (young under 15 and elderly over 64) per 100 working-age people—offers a powerful lens into the balance between population support and productivity. Some nations are straining under the weight of youth, others under an aging population.

Niger tops the global burden – driven by youth

Niger ranks first globally with a staggering age dependency ratio of 104.7%. This means there are more dependents than working-age individuals. The overwhelming pressure comes from a booming youth population: over half the population is under 15. In countries like Chad, Somalia, and the Central African Republic, the scenario is similar. This “youth bulge” demands urgent investments in education, healthcare, and future employment to avoid long-term instability.

Monaco, Japan, and Italy: The silver burden

At the other end of the spectrum, Monaco has the highest old-age dependency ratio, at 70.3%, meaning there are 70 elderly individuals for every 100 working-age people. Japan (51.4%) and Italy (38.6%) follow closely. These aging societies face mounting challenges in pensions, healthcare, and labor shortages, raising critical questions about sustainability and innovation in elderly care.

A split world: Youth vs. Age

While sub-Saharan Africa grapples with the cost of youth, much of Europe and East Asia are navigating the economic weight of aging. The result is a demographic divide with very different implications: some countries must create jobs at scale, others must prolong working lives and rethink social protection systems.

Why it matters

A high dependency ratio—whether driven by youth or age—means fewer people are generating income relative to those relying on it. This can slow growth, strain public services, and fuel social tensions. Understanding where the pressure lies helps shape smarter policies and targeted investments.