El Salvador Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
El Salvador's dependency ratio was 48.51 in 2025, ranked 158th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
El Salvador's dependency ratio stood at 48.51 in 2025, a decline of +0.64 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 48.51 by 2025. El Salvador ranked 158th globally.
El Salvador’s total dependency ratio has fallen sharply over the 66‑year series, moving from an early‑period high of 95.36 in 1960 to a historic low of 48.51 in 2025, the lowest level recorded since coverage began and the 158th lowest among all nations reporting to the World Bank. The ratio peaked at 100.36 in 1969, a period when a large share of the population was under‑15 or over‑64, reflecting limited fertility decline and higher life expectancy. The sustained decline thereafter mirrors demographic transition dynamics, including reduced birth rates, increased labor‑force participation, and gradual ageing of the population. In 2025 El Salvador’s ratio is virtually identical to that of Mexico (48.27) and only marginally above New Caledonia (48.65), placing it among a group of middle‑income economies where the working‑age cohort now supports roughly half of dependents. Continued improvements in health, education and labor market integration are likely to keep the ratio low, but an acceleration of population ageing could modestly raise it unless offset by higher fertility or immigration.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 47.28 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.89 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 48.51 | - | - |
| 2025 | 48.51 | −0.64 | #158 |
| 2024 | 49.15 | −0.57 | #61 |
| 2023 | 49.72 | −0.60 | #64 |
| 2022 | 50.33 | −0.63 | #67 |
| 2021 | 50.96 | −0.65 | #75 |
| 2020 | 51.61 | −0.60 | #83 |
| 2019 | 52.21 | −0.56 | #88 |
| 2018 | 52.77 | −0.72 | #94 |
| 2017 | 53.49 | −0.93 | #107 |
| 2016 | 54.42 | −1.12 | #117 |
| 2015 | 55.54 | −1.28 | #126 |
| 2014 | 56.82 | −1.46 | #132 |
| 2013 | 58.28 | −1.58 | #137 |
| 2012 | 59.86 | −1.64 | #138 |
| 2011 | 61.50 | −1.69 | #143 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
El Salvador matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 1989. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
El Salvador's dependency ratio was 48.51 in 2025. Ranked 158th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
El Salvador's dependency ratio peaked at 100.36 in 1969.
The lowest dependency ratio in El Salvador was 48.51 in 2025.
El Salvador ranks 158th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
El Salvador's dependency ratio is projected to reach 48.51 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of El Salvador in 2025 was 48.51. This ranks 158th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_el-salvador_dependency-ratio,
title = {El Salvador Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/el-salvador/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}