Hungary's Dependency Ratio Among Lowest in EU

Hungary's dependency ratio stood at 54.2% in 2024, placing it among countries with lower ratios within the European Union. The EU average for this demographic indicator was 56.8% in the same year.

The dependency ratio measures the number of dependents (those under 14 or over 65) relative to the working-age population. Hungary's comparatively lower ratio is attributed to factors including a life expectancy below the European average and a low birth rate.

In contrast, countries such as France and several Scandinavian nations exhibit higher dependency ratios. This is often linked to a combination of high life expectancy and robust fertility rates, leading to a larger proportion of both young and elderly individuals relative to the working population.

Other EU countries with higher dependency ratios include Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Portugal, and Italy. While Bulgaria, Croatia, and Portugal also have above-average fertility rates, Italy and Bulgaria stand out for having the highest proportion of elderly citizens in the EU. Conversely, Malta, Luxembourg, and Cyprus have fewer than one dependent per active worker, indicating very low dependency ratios.