Category Special Reports

Global art sales saw a decline of 4% last year, totaling around $65 billion, as ultra-wealthy buyers exercised more caution, revealed the Art Market Report released by Swiss bank UBS on Thursday, October 24. The UBS wealth management team, which advises clients on art acquisitions but refrains from classifying these purchases as investments, observed that inflation, high interest rates, and political uncertainty were prompting affluent clients to slow down and deliberate longer over potential acquisitions.

The report noted a 7% drop in auction sales volume and a 3% decrease at galleries, largely due to reduced demand for high-end artwork and overall lower average purchase prices. China was the sole country to experience growth in art sales, with a 9% increase bringing transactions to $12.2 billion, which positioned it as the second-largest art market worldwide, just behind the United States. UBS Global Wealth Management’s chief economist, Paul Donovan, attributed China’s growth to delayed post-COVID spending, as the country maintained isolation measures longer than its Western counterparts.

Donovan also highlighted that elevated interest rates and inflation had heavily impacted the more speculative art segments, particularly digital art, including NFTs. NFT sales, which hit a peak of $2.9 billion in 2021, dropped 51% last year compared to that high point. According to Donovan, they have not rebounded this year, even as interest rates began to ease and other asset classes, like cryptocurrencies, gained value.

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Despite a sluggish economy, the Netherlands’ wealthiest have seen their fortunes grow, with the top 500 individuals amassing a combined wealth of around $273 billion, marking a 5% increase from last year. This growth rate far outpaces the country’s 2023 economic expansion of 0.2% and inflation rate of 4.1%.

Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, heir to the Heineken legacy, remains the wealthiest individual on the list, with assets totaling almost $13 billion, though her fortune has dropped by 4% since 2023. Overall, 60 individuals in the rankings experienced declines in their assets.

Some prominent figures faced notable losses; Adriaan Mol, founder of the payment platform Mollie, saw his wealth fall by at least $1.6 billion, while Jitse Groen of Thuisbezorgd/Just Eat Takeaway and René Moos of Basic-Fit also faced declining share values. However, the year’s biggest financial gain went to Bunq director Ali Niknam, who increased his fortune by approximately $865 million, largely due to a successful IT investment in Belgium, bringing his net worth to $2.7 billion and raising his position from 28th to 12th in the rankings.

This year’s list includes 52 billionaires, with a minimum asset threshold of around $141 million for qualification. The Brenninkmeijer family, associated with retailer C&A, holds the title of wealthiest family at almost $24 billion, though their wealth declined by 11% from last year. The Van der Vorm family, through Hal Investments, ranks as the second wealthiest family with assets of $9.1 billion, followed by retail dynasties De Rijcke (Kruidvat) and Dreesmann (V&D) in third and fourth places.

Several Dutch celebrities are also represented on the list. Formula 1 star Max Verstappen ranks 322nd with assets of $227 million, up 40% from last year, while Princess Mabel van Oranje-Nassau holds 121st place with $492 million, bolstered by her investments in Adyen. DJ Tiësto’s wealth is estimated at almost $222 million, reflecting an 8% rise over the past year.

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A new global index has revealed that nine out of ten countries are pursuing policies that are likely to exacerbate economic inequality. The report, published by Oxfam and Development Finance International (DFI), shows that 94% of countries with current World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans have reduced crucial investments in public education, healthcare, and social protection over the past two years. This figure rises to 95% for International Development Association (IDA) countries—the world’s poorest nations.

Kate Donald, head of Oxfam International’s Washington DC office, warned that these cuts are not only disheartening but also dangerous, undermining development efforts. She noted that many countries in the Global South face a painful dilemma: whether to invest in essential public services or adopt austerity measures to meet overwhelming debt repayments. Donald emphasized the severe human toll of these decisions, as millions of people rely on public services to improve their lives and those of their children.

Donald also pointed out that while the World Bank was praised last year for prioritizing inequality, the findings of the report indicate that both the Bank and IMF still have considerable work to do if they are to effectively tackle inequality.

In response to increasing pressure from economists, shareholders, and civil society, the World Bank introduced its first-ever “vision indicator” in 2023, aimed at reducing the number of countries with high inequality. Despite this progress, the report highlights that the Bank has scaled back its prior commitments to promote progressive taxation, including higher taxes on the super-rich. Furthermore, tackling inequality has not yet been fully integrated into the policy framework for the next replenishment of the IDA, which provides low-interest loans and grants to the world’s poorest countries—over half of which are located in Africa. Currently, inequality is high or rising in 54% of countries receiving IDA funds.

The “Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index 2024” ranks 164 governments based on their policies regarding public services, taxation, and workers’ rights—all critical areas for reducing inequality. This year’s index reveals a worrying trend: for the first time since the index’s inception in 2017, most countries are regressing across all three key areas.

Overall, 84% of countries have reduced investment in education, health, and social protection, 81% have weakened the capacity of their tax systems to reduce inequality, and in 90% of countries, labor rights and minimum wage protections have deteriorated.

Despite these overall declines, some countries have made improvements. Burkina Faso and Vanuatu have raised their minimum wages, Croatia has increased health investment, and Guyana maintains one of the highest corporate tax rates at 40%. In contrast, other countries have seen sharp declines, such as Argentina, where the new government has slashed public health and education budgets by 76% and 60%, respectively, and is phasing out the wealth tax. Pakistan has also reduced its education and social protection budgets by a third under IMF-imposed austerity measures.

Even top performers in the index, primarily high-income countries like Norway and Canada, lag behind on certain indicators. Around 5% of their populations face catastrophic healthcare costs, and aside from Japan, most have low corporate income tax rates. Denmark, for instance, has been steadily reducing the income tax rate for the wealthiest 1% of its population.

At the bottom of the index, countries from Sub-Saharan Africa dominate, many of which have active World Bank and IMF programs. In these nations, scarce resources are being diverted from critical services like education and health due to low tax revenues, a crippling debt crisis, ongoing conflicts, and the effects of climate change. On average, low- and middle-income countries spend 48% of their budgets on debt servicing, significantly more than they allocate to education and healthcare combined. Six of the ten lowest-ranked countries are either in or on the brink of severe debt distress.

At the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in July 2024, the world’s largest economies agreed for the first time to cooperate in taxing the ultra-wealthy, a move that was welcomed by World Bank President Ajay Banga.

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Stagwell has published the results of a global survey that explored the perspectives of 100 CEOs on their 2025 priorities, anticipated impacts of the U.S. presidential election on economic and political stability, and interest in investing in the Gulf region. The findings were presented by Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn on October 30 at the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Summit in Riyadh, underscoring Stagwell’s commitment to the MENA region.

Conducted by Stagwell’s NRG, the survey builds on the 2024 FII Institute Compass survey and was designed to capture CEO insights on critical issues for 2025. The survey ran exclusively in English from October 4 to October 11, 2024, targeting CEOs of companies with at least 10,000 employees.

Key Findings from Stagwell’s 2024 Global CEO Survey:

Anticipated Impact of the U.S. Election on Business

• A substantial 77% of CEOs reported that the upcoming U.S. presidential election would influence their 2025 business strategies.
• Non-U.S. CEOs showed mixed opinions on which U.S. candidate might better stimulate the global economy.
• CEOs expect trade policy and immigration to undergo significant shifts depending on the election’s outcome.
• Reflecting general public sentiment, 35% of global CEOs identified inflation as the most pressing economic issue, followed by consumer confidence (30%) and energy prices (25%).

Interest in Gulf Region Investments

• The Gulf region and Saudi Arabia emerged as attractive investment markets for global CEOs.
• Seventy-nine percent of global CEOs rated the current Gulf investment climate as very or somewhat attractive, and 86% expressed similar sentiments about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically.

Optimism for Technology and AI

• Innovation and technology were viewed as positive forces, with 85% of CEOs optimistic about their potential to improve quality of life.
• Seventy-three percent of global CEOs showed optimism regarding AI’s impact on citizen well-being, with 35% expressing strong optimism.

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A recent survey by Deloitte Global highlights that 20% of businesses now have their Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) reporting directly to CEOs instead of Chief Information Officers (CIOs), signaling the increasing strategic influence of the role within organizations.

The findings are part of the fourth edition of the “Global Future of Cyber Survey,” which gathered responses from nearly 1,200 cybersecurity decision-makers across 43 countries and six industries. The report emphasizes how cybersecurity has become integral to organizational growth, with a notable rise in the prominence of the CISO role.

Deloitte’s global cyber leader, Emily Mossburg, commented that the rapid advancement of AI and other technologies has significantly altered the threat landscape. As threats become more sophisticated and deeply impactful to core business functions, CISOs are being tasked with adopting more strategic roles, focusing on risk prioritization and mitigation across the organization. She noted that the growing connection between CISOs and CEOs underscores the vital role of security in long-term business success, with CISOs evolving from protectors against external threats to key players in driving strategic decision-making within their companies.

The survey found that around one-third of respondents reported an increase in CISO involvement in discussions about technology capabilities over the past year, highlighting the expanding importance of CISOs in shaping corporate resilience and technological strategies.

CISOs Gaining Influence as Key Advisors to CEOs and Boards

In response to the rise in cyberattacks, CISOs are becoming more influential as advisors to CEOs and boards. This shift is driven by the emergence of AI-generated threats, which exploit vulnerabilities by mimicking trusted sources. According to the survey, 39% of respondents are already extensively using AI in their cybersecurity programs, reflecting a more integrated approach to cybersecurity across businesses.

Cybersecurity is also playing a crucial role in safeguarding investments in emerging technologies. Focus areas identified include cloud security (48%), Generative AI (41%), and data analytics (41%). High-performing organizations, described as “cyber-mature,” demonstrate consistent cyber planning, strategic board-level engagement, and effective use of AI to enhance their capabilities. These organizations are expected to achieve their business goals by 27% more on average than other respondents.

The growing urgency for secure systems is underscored by the fact that 25% of respondents from cyber-mature companies reported experiencing 11 or more cybersecurity incidents in the past year, a 7% rise from 2023. Incidents related to data loss affected 28% of organizations in 2024, an increase of 14% from the previous year, further highlighting the evolving threat landscape.

Organizations increasingly recognize cybersecurity as essential to their technology infrastructure, strategic planning, and overall growth. The survey indicated that the leading outcomes of cybersecurity initiatives include protecting intellectual property (46%), improving threat detection and response (44%), and enhancing organizational efficiency and agility (44%).

A significant majority (83%) of respondents agreed that qualitative risk assessments and benchmarking tools are critical components of their cybersecurity strategies. Over half (58%) expect to integrate cybersecurity spending with other key budgets, including digital transformation, IT initiatives, and cloud investments. Moreover, 57% of respondents anticipate increasing their cybersecurity budgets over the next 12 to 24 months, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in business operations.

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European countries are attracting a rising number of travelers who seek high-quality medical services across a range of fields, from fertility treatments to complex surgeries. A recent industry estimate placed the medical tourism market’s value at $79.4 billion in 2023, with many travelers drawn by advanced healthcare technologies and the cost-effectiveness of these services.

1. Germany
   Germany consistently ranks among the top destinations for medical tourists, with around 250,000 patients from abroad each year. Known for its excellence in fields such as orthopedic surgery, cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery, Germany offers substantial access to healthcare services with approximately 1,874 hospitals and a ratio of 4.5 doctors per 1,000 people.
   Germany’s Healthcare Access and Quality Index score is an impressive 92 out of 100, with per capita healthcare spending reaching $6,060. Although treatment costs in Germany are on the higher end in Europe, they remain lower than in countries like the United States. For example, a knee replacement in Germany costs between $10,530 to $29,480, while the same procedure in the U.S. can range from $15,000 to $75,000.
2. Greece
   Greece’s rapidly expanding medical tourism market is gaining attention, particularly for its affordability and professional standards. With a Healthcare Access and Quality Index score of 90.4 and a doctor-to-population ratio of 6.3 per 1,000, Greece offers some of the best access to medical professionals in Europe. There are nearly 270 hospitals, further expanding treatment accessibility.
   Though Greece is a relatively new entrant in the medical tourism market, it attracts about 25,000 international patients annually. Cosmetic and dental services are widely available, but Greece is becoming especially popular for affordable fertility treatments. For instance, an IVF cycle costs between $3,190 to $5,315 in Greece—much lower than the U.S. price range of $14,000 to $20,000.
3. Hungary
   Hungary has positioned itself as a leader in affordable dental care, welcoming approximately 100,000 medical tourists each year. Healthcare spending per capita is around $1,270, allowing patients access to high-quality care at accessible prices. Dental implants in Hungary cost between $866 and $1,300, which is significantly less than the U.S. average of $2,695.
   Hungary’s Healthcare Access and Quality Index score of 82.1 reflects the country’s commitment to quality care, with a network of about 163 hospitals and a doctor ratio of 3.3 per 1,000 people.
4. Spain
   Spain offers world-class medical services and ranks just below Germany on the Healthcare Access and Quality Index with a score of 91.9. The country has 4.5 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants and about 845 hospitals, ensuring accessible and reliable healthcare.
   Annual healthcare spending per capita in Spain is approximately $2,960, reflecting both quality and affordability. Nearly 140,000 patients travel to Spain each year for treatments, particularly for fertility, cosmetic, and orthopedic surgeries. Rhinoplasty, for instance, costs between $3,150 to $10,540 in Spain, which is more economical than the U.S. starting price of $5,265.
5. Turkey
   Turkey has quickly become a hub for cosmetic procedures, drawing around 700,000 medical tourists annually. Hair transplants are particularly popular, with prices in Turkey starting at $2,120 compared to the U.S. price of $12,500.
   Turkey has 1,518 hospitals and a doctor-to-patient ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 inhabitants, as well as the lowest healthcare spending per capita in this list at around $856. The country’s commitment to improving healthcare is demonstrated by its Healthcare Access and Quality Index score of 74.4, a figure that reinforces Turkey’s rising status in the medical tourism sector.
   European destinations offer a range of specialized medical treatments at globally competitive prices, often underpinned by advanced medical technologies and skilled professionals. Whether seeking high-end surgical care in Germany or affordable fertility options in Greece, Europe remains a prime destination for patients prioritizing both quality and value.

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If you found a bag filled with cash, which currency would you prefer? Many might quickly assume that a suitcase full of euros is the best choice since it allows for immediate spending in Europe or in countries that accept euros. The U.S. dollar is generally regarded as the most powerful currency in the world, as it is the most traded currency on the global market by a wide margin. Surprisingly, though, the dollar is not the strongest among the approximately 180 traditional fiat currencies recognized as legal tender worldwide. A fiat currency is one whose value is not tied to a physical commodity like gold or silver.

Other currencies are considered stronger because they are worth more than a dollar. Based on their relative value against the U.S. dollar, we have identified the strongest currencies in the world. Foreign currency is traded in pairs: For example, you buy U.S. dollars with British pounds. As a result, one currency is always priced relative to another currency, and this price is known as the exchange rate. Most currencies are “floating,” meaning their value fluctuates depending on demand and supply. However, some currencies are “pegged,” which means their value relative to another currency, such as the dollar, is fixed at an agreed-upon rate.

When the dollar strengthens against the EURO, American travelers can get more euros for their dollars and essentially score cheaper vacations in Paris or Berlin. However, it becomes more expensive for people from Europe to visit the U.S. because the euro will buy fewer dollars at a foreign currency exchange. What Are the Top Strongest Currencies?

The Kuwaiti dinar is the strongest currency in the world, with an exchange rate of $1 equal to 0.31 Kuwaiti dinars. Kuwait is located on the Persian Gulf, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north. The country’s wealth primarily comes from its position as a leading global exporter of oil. The Kuwaiti dinar was introduced in the 1960s and initially pegged to the British pound. It has since been re-pegged to an undisclosed basket of currencies.

The Bahraini dinar is the second-strongest currency in the world, with $1 equal to 0.38 Bahraini dinar. Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. Like Kuwait, the country earns much of its wealth from oil and gas exports. The Bahraini dinar entered circulation in 1965 and is pegged to the dollar.

The Omani rial is the third-strongest currency in the world, with $1 equal to 0.39 Omani rial. Oman sits between the United Arab Emirates and Yemen at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. As with its wealthy neighbors, Oman is a major exporter of oil and gas. The Omani rial was introduced in the 1970s and is pegged to the dollar.

The Jordanian dinar is the fourth-strongest currency in the world, with $1 equal to 0.71 Jordanian dinar. Jordan is a largely landlocked country in the Middle East that is less dependent on oil and gas exports than other nations in the region. It has struggled with sluggish economic growth and rising debt. The Jordanian dinar entered circulation in 1950 and is pegged to the dollar.

The British pound is the fifth-strongest currency in the world, with $1 equal to 0.75 British pound. Britain’s economy is the world’s sixth largest by gross domestic product (GDP), according to the World Bank. The pound was first introduced in the 1400s before being decimalized in 1971. It is free-floating, not pegged to other currencies.

Most Powerful Currencies In The World

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The Office for North Africa of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) recently concluded a two-day high-level policy dialogue in Rabat, Morocco, focused on strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region. The event marked the culmination of a two-year initiative led by the ECA Office for North Africa, which included a series of workshops designed to support women-led enterprises in Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Sudan. These workshops addressed critical issues such as access to finance, market dynamics, digitalization, and climate-related challenges.

Adam Elhiraika, Director of the ECA Office for North Africa, highlighted the significance of the discussions in creating a supportive environment for SMEs. He noted that the dialogue explored how policy measures could enable SMEs to play a greater role in North Africa’s economic transformation by enhancing resilience, improving access to finance, fostering sustainable growth, and leveraging opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event brought together senior officials from Libya, Mauritania, and Morocco, who collaborated to identify strategies aimed at strengthening the resilience of North African SMEs in the face of economic and climate challenges. Key topics included the role of SMEs in promoting economic diversification and gender inclusivity, innovative financing solutions, climate adaptation strategies, and addressing policy barriers that impact productivity, innovation, and integration into global value chains.

Riad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, emphasized the essential role of SMEs in the economy, stating that they form the backbone of Morocco’s economic structure. He acknowledged that approximately 50% of SMEs survive their first five years, describing this as a positive indicator. Mezzour also discussed Morocco’s policies aimed at supporting SMEs, such as improving access to public markets, streamlining certification processes, providing favorable payment terms, and promoting environmental sustainability within the sector.

The discussions underscored the untapped potential of women-led enterprises in North Africa to drive economic growth, diversification, job creation, and inclusive development. However, numerous challenges remain, particularly regarding access to finance, property, markets, and business networks. These barriers often confine women-led businesses to smaller markets and the informal sector, limiting their opportunities for growth and trade.

During the dialogue, Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO office for the Maghreb, highlighted the gender disparity in leadership within SMEs. He pointed out that while SMEs in Morocco account for 86% of formal employment, women lead only 15.3% of newly established enterprises, with just over 12% holding leadership positions.

The ECA, established in 1958 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is one of the UN’s five regional commissions. Its mission is to promote economic and social development among its member states, encourage intra-regional integration, and strengthen international cooperation for Africa’s overall development.

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The New Development Bank (NDB) is set to intensify its support for economic development in emerging economies while tackling critical challenges like climate change, according to its president, Dilma Rousseff. She emphasized that the bank’s growing membership will further enhance its capacity to foster progress.

Rousseff, speaking after receiving China’s prestigious Friendship Medal in September, highlighted the NDB’s commitment to helping emerging nations achieve steady growth and mitigate crises. She pointed out that the bank’s focus includes infrastructure development in areas such as logistics, education, healthcare, and digital services.

The NDB has made substantial headway in financing key infrastructure projects among its member states. To date, it has approved $35 billion in loans across 105 projects, including the Mumbai Urban Transport Project-III in India, the Serra da Palmeira Wind Power Project in Brazil, and the Jiangxi Urban and Rural Cold Chain Logistics Project in China, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

In August, the NDB reached a $280 million loan agreement with South Africa’s freight transport giant Transnet, aimed at upgrading the country’s rail infrastructure. The same month, the bank approved a $1 billion loan to support South Africa’s water and sanitation systems and another $150 million loan for China’s acquisition of liquefied natural gas carriers through the Bank of Communications Financial Leasing.

In January, India secured three loan agreements from the NDB totaling $700 million, aimed at boosting transportation, water, and sanitation infrastructure across the country.

Rousseff underscored the limited resources that developing nations have in combating climate change, emphasizing the need for further development of renewable energy sources. She commended China’s leadership in the electric vehicle industry and expressed hope for continued progress in energy storage and renewable energy supply.

As outlined in its 2022-2026 strategy, the NDB has earmarked 40% of its $30 billion financing plan for green initiatives, with climate change mitigation as a central focus. Earlier this year, the NDB issued panda bonds worth 6 billion yuan ($840 million), followed by another 8 billion yuan bond in July, both part of its efforts to fund infrastructure and sustainable projects that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Launched in 2014 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the NDB began operations in July 2015, with its headquarters in Shanghai. Since 2021, the bank has expanded its membership to include Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.

Rousseff highlighted China’s developmental model as an example for the Global South, noting that the country’s advances in infrastructure, technology, and the economy have demonstrated resilience against obstacles like sanctions. She praised China’s achievements over the past 75 years, particularly its role in leading innovation, fostering globalization, and emphasizing scientific and technological advancements.

The deepening partnership between China and Brazil was cited as an example of how cooperation among Global South nations can boost economic growth and improve quality of life. Rousseff pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative, under which China and Brazil have strengthened their collaboration in trade and technology. Brazil has also become a key player in ensuring China’s food security, serving as its largest food supplier in recent years.

Rousseff also acknowledged the significance of Chinese investment in Brazil, noting that it plays a vital role in the country’s reindustrialization. Among the major highlights of Chinese investment is the China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s collaboration with Petrobras, Brazil’s leading oil and gas company, in the Pelotas Basin for oil exploration.

China’s investments have particularly benefited less-developed regions in Brazil by addressing energy shortages through the construction of high-voltage direct transmission lines, she added.

As China’s largest trading partner since 2009, Brazil has also attracted considerable Chinese investment. In 2023, the trade volume between the two countries reached $181.53 billion, further solidifying their economic ties.

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The Age Dependency Ratio is an important economic indicator that represents the balance between the economically dependent population (ages 0–15 and 65+) and the economically active population (ages 15–64).  This ratio, whether expressed as a numerical figure or a percentage, is calculated by dividing the number of dependents by the number of producers and then multiplying the result by 100. For example, if a fictional state has 200 producers and 70 dependents, the dependency ratio would be calculated as (70/200) * 100, resulting in a ratio of 35% or 35.

The age dependency ratio is critically important for governments, banks, universities, and other large organizations. It provides insights that go far beyond basic numerical data. It is an essential tool for accurately understanding the population profile of a specific region. This analysis directly informs key decisions, such as funding allocations for programs that support children and the elderly, evaluating future economic pressures on the population, and anticipating potential civil unrest.

The total age dependency ratio (ADR) typically includes both young and elderly dependent groups and is commonly referred to as the overall age group dependency ratio (AGEP). However, it can also be broken down further to focus specifically on the child dependency ratio or the elderly dependency ratio. Niger Tops the Charts with the Highest Age Dependency Ratio.

In the realm of global demographics, Niger has emerged as the country with the highest age dependency ratio, reaching a staggering 105.86%. This signifies a significant economic challenge, as the working-age population is burdened with supporting a substantial number of both young children and elderly citizens.

Countries with the Highest Age Dependency Ratio in the World, 2025

*Percentages shown are computed against a base of 100. For example, Niger’s world-leading 105.86% total ADR represents a ratio of 105.86/100, which indicates that the country has nearly 105.86 dependents (children and elders) for every 100 working-age residents.

Challenges and Opportunities in High Dependency Ratio Nations: Countries like Niger, the Central African Republic, and Somalia face significant economic challenges due to having a high number of dependents compared to working-age individuals. This imbalance puts pressure on resources, which can affect social programs and economic stability and increase the risk of civil unrest. In contrast, nations with low dependency ratios, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrate healthier economies with enough jobs and workers to support their dependents.

As nations face the economic implications of their demographic structures, it is crucial for policymakers, economists, and organizations to understand age dependency ratios. This data serves as a guide for addressing the needs of social programs, anticipating economic challenges, and promoting sustainable growth in an ever-evolving global environment.

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