Guatemala Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Guatemala's dependency ratio was 55.99 in 2025, ranked 100th globally. This represents a 2.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's dependency ratio stood at 55.99 in 2025, a decline of +1.31 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.99 by 2025. Guatemala ranked 100th globally.
Guatemala’s total dependency ratio fell dramatically from 95.53 in 1960 to a trough of 55.99 in 2025, the lowest level among 100 countries measured by the World Bank. The all‑time peak of 96.10 occurred in 1962, reflecting a post‑World War II demographic structure dominated by a large youth cohort and limited labor‑force participation. Over the subsequent six decades, fertility declines, rising life expectancy and gradual labor‑force expansion have compressed the proportion of dependents relative to workers, pushing the ratio down by more than 40 points. In 2025 Guatemala’s ratio of 55.99 is virtually identical to Romania’s 55.98 and only marginally above Botswana’s 56.16, placing it among nations that have achieved similar demographic transitions. The continued ageing of the population and modest fertility rebounds could modestly lift the ratio, but sustained improvements in education and employment are likely to keep the dependency burden low in the near future.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 53.54 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 54.76 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 55.99 | - | - |
| 2025 | 55.99 | −1.31 | #100 |
| 2024 | 57.30 | −1.11 | #125 |
| 2023 | 58.41 | −1.19 | #136 |
| 2022 | 59.60 | −1.28 | #144 |
| 2021 | 60.88 | −1.32 | #149 |
| 2020 | 62.21 | −1.24 | #156 |
| 2019 | 63.45 | −1.13 | #157 |
| 2018 | 64.58 | −1.14 | #158 |
| 2017 | 65.72 | −1.23 | #160 |
| 2016 | 66.96 | −1.29 | #163 |
| 2015 | 68.25 | −1.34 | #165 |
| 2014 | 69.59 | −1.45 | #166 |
| 2013 | 71.04 | −1.56 | #166 |
| 2012 | 72.60 | −1.65 | #169 |
| 2011 | 74.25 | −1.74 | #171 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Guatemala's dependency ratio was 55.99 in 2025. Ranked 100th globally. This represents a 2.3% decrease from the previous year.
Guatemala's dependency ratio peaked at 96.10 in 1962.
The lowest dependency ratio in Guatemala was 55.99 in 2025.
Guatemala ranks 100th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guatemala's dependency ratio is projected to reach 55.99 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Guatemala in 2025 was 55.99. This ranks 100th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_dependency-ratio,
title = {Guatemala Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}