Japan Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Japan's dependency ratio was 70.21 in 2025, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Japan's dependency ratio stood at 70.21 in 2025, a rise of +0.09 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 70.21 by 2025. Japan ranked 38th globally.
Japan’s total dependency ratio has risen steadily over the 66‑year series, climbing from 55.22 in 1960 to a record 70.26 in 2021 before slipping slightly to 70.21 in 2025, which places the country 38th globally. The long‑term upward trajectory reflects the combined effect of an ageing population and a shrinking labour force, with the all‑time trough of 42.89 recorded in 1992 marking the last period of relatively balanced demographic structure. By comparison, peer nations with similar rankings such as Comoros (70.35) and Senegal (70.02) exhibit comparable pressures, although their demographic dynamics differ markedly. The modest decline from the 2021 peak suggests that recent policy measures aimed at extending working lives and modestly boosting fertility may be beginning to temper the rise, but the ratio is likely to remain high unless substantial reforms in immigration or productivity are enacted, keeping the upward pressure on the dependency burden.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 70.27 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 70.24 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 70.21 | - | - |
| 2025 | 70.21 | +0.09 | #38 |
| 2024 | 70.12 | +0.02 | #174 |
| 2023 | 70.10 | −0.15 | #173 |
| 2022 | 70.25 | −0.01 | #172 |
| 2021 | 70.26 | +0.37 | #169 |
| 2020 | 69.89 | +0.41 | #168 |
| 2019 | 69.48 | +0.46 | #168 |
| 2018 | 69.02 | +0.71 | #166 |
| 2017 | 68.31 | +0.99 | #165 |
| 2016 | 67.32 | +1.30 | #164 |
| 2015 | 66.02 | +1.56 | #160 |
| 2014 | 64.47 | +1.86 | #157 |
| 2013 | 62.61 | +2.07 | #150 |
| 2012 | 60.54 | +1.95 | #142 |
| 2011 | 58.58 | +1.18 | #137 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Japan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2004. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Japan's dependency ratio was 70.21 in 2025. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Japan's dependency ratio peaked at 70.26 in 2021.
The lowest dependency ratio in Japan was 42.89 in 1992.
Japan ranks 38th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Japan's dependency ratio is projected to reach 70.21 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Japan in 2025 was 70.21. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_japan_dependency-ratio,
title = {Japan Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/japan/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}