Madagascar Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Madagascar's dependency ratio was 73.77 in 2025, ranked 31st globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Madagascar's dependency ratio stood at 73.77 in 2025, a decline of +0.63 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 73.77 by 2025. Madagascar ranked 31st globally.
Madagascar’s total dependency ratio has fallen sharply from a post‑independence high of 94.39 in 1960 to an all‑time trough of 73.77 in 2025, ranking 31st globally. The ratio peaked at 101.50 in 1980, reflecting a large proportion of children and elderly relative to the working‑age population during the post‑colonial baby‑boom era. The long‑term decline mirrors demographic transitions observed in other low‑income African states; for example, Togo recorded a comparable ratio of 73.93 in 2025, while Liberia stood at 73.52. Over the 66‑year series, Madagascar’s falling dependency ratio signals a gradual shift toward a larger labor force, which could enhance productivity if matched by job creation and skill development. Continued improvements in health, education and economic diversification will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory and translate the demographic dividend into higher growth rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 72.41 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 73.09 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 73.77 | - | - |
| 2025 | 73.77 | −0.63 | #31 |
| 2024 | 74.40 | −0.75 | #186 |
| 2023 | 75.15 | −0.70 | #186 |
| 2022 | 75.85 | −0.65 | #184 |
| 2021 | 76.50 | −0.63 | #184 |
| 2020 | 77.13 | −0.63 | #181 |
| 2019 | 77.76 | −0.66 | #182 |
| 2018 | 78.41 | −0.75 | #182 |
| 2017 | 79.16 | −0.87 | #183 |
| 2016 | 80.03 | −0.99 | #182 |
| 2015 | 81.03 | −1.12 | #185 |
| 2014 | 82.14 | −1.31 | #186 |
| 2013 | 83.45 | −1.44 | #188 |
| 2012 | 84.89 | −1.40 | #191 |
| 2011 | 86.29 | −1.26 | #193 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Madagascar matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Madagascar's dependency ratio was 73.77 in 2025. Ranked 31st globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from the previous year.
Madagascar's dependency ratio peaked at 101.50 in 1980.
The lowest dependency ratio in Madagascar was 73.77 in 2025.
Madagascar ranks 31st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Madagascar's dependency ratio is projected to reach 73.77 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Madagascar in 2025 was 73.77. This ranks 31st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_madagascar_dependency-ratio,
title = {Madagascar Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/madagascar/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}