Lesotho Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Lesotho's dependency ratio was 61.53 in 2025, ranked 65th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's dependency ratio stood at 61.53 in 2025, a decline of +0.74 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 61.53 by 2025. Lesotho ranked 65th globally.
Lesotho’s dependency ratio has fallen dramatically over the 66‑year series, slipping from an all‑time peak of 98.61 in 1961 to a trough of 61.53 in 2025, the lowest level recorded since the series began and ranking 65th globally. The decline reflects a combination of rising labor‑force participation and a modest slowdown in population growth, which has reduced the proportion of children and elderly relative to the working‑age cohort. By 2025 Lesotho’s ratio of 61.53 is closely aligned with that of Timor‑Leste (61.86) and Kyrgyz Republic (61.48), indicating a convergence with other lower‑dependency economies in the region. The long‑term downward trajectory suggests that the share of dependents will continue to shrink, though any reversal in fertility trends or a sharp rise in life expectancy could stall or reverse the current improvement.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 59.84 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.69 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 61.53 | - | - |
| 2025 | 61.53 | −0.74 | #65 |
| 2024 | 62.27 | −0.99 | #153 |
| 2023 | 63.27 | −0.91 | #157 |
| 2022 | 64.18 | −0.79 | #160 |
| 2021 | 64.97 | −0.68 | #161 |
| 2020 | 65.65 | −0.61 | #161 |
| 2019 | 66.26 | −0.61 | #162 |
| 2018 | 66.87 | −0.62 | #163 |
| 2017 | 67.49 | −0.44 | #164 |
| 2016 | 67.93 | −0.21 | #165 |
| 2015 | 68.14 | +0.00 | #164 |
| 2014 | 68.14 | +0.06 | #162 |
| 2013 | 68.08 | −0.14 | #162 |
| 2012 | 68.22 | −0.27 | #163 |
| 2011 | 68.48 | −0.37 | #163 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho 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
Lesotho's dependency ratio was 61.53 in 2025. Ranked 65th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from the previous year.
Lesotho's dependency ratio peaked at 98.61 in 1961.
The lowest dependency ratio in Lesotho was 61.53 in 2025.
Lesotho ranks 65th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lesotho's dependency ratio is projected to reach 61.53 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Lesotho in 2025 was 61.53. This ranks 65th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_dependency-ratio,
title = {Lesotho Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}