Malawi Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Malawi's dependency ratio was 74.20 in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malawi's dependency ratio stood at 74.20 in 2025, a decline of +2.14 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 74.20 by 2025. Malawi ranked 28th globally.
Malawi's dependency ratio, which measures the proportion of dependents in the population, has exhibited a downward trend since its all-time peak in 2007 when it reached 100.35. The country has made significant strides in reducing its dependency ratio, with the latest available data from 2025 indicating a value of 74.20, ranking 28th globally. This decline is particularly notable when compared to its peer countries, such as The Gambia, which has a slightly higher dependency ratio of 75.27. The downward trajectory is a result of Malawi's efforts to improve education and healthcare outcomes, which have contributed to a reduction in the proportion of dependent children and elderly individuals in the population. The current trend suggests that Malawi's dependency ratio will continue to decrease, driven by the ongoing progress in education and healthcare, potentially leading to a more sustainable and productive workforce in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 70.07 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 72.13 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 74.20 | - | - |
| 2025 | 74.20 | −2.14 | #28 |
| 2024 | 76.34 | −1.94 | #189 |
| 2023 | 78.28 | −2.05 | #195 |
| 2022 | 80.33 | −2.12 | #196 |
| 2021 | 82.45 | −2.14 | #197 |
| 2020 | 84.59 | −2.10 | #201 |
| 2019 | 86.69 | −2.01 | #201 |
| 2018 | 88.69 | −1.92 | #201 |
| 2017 | 90.62 | −1.85 | #201 |
| 2016 | 92.47 | −1.70 | #206 |
| 2015 | 94.17 | −1.47 | #207 |
| 2014 | 95.64 | −1.27 | #208 |
| 2013 | 96.91 | −1.03 | #209 |
| 2012 | 97.95 | −0.76 | #210 |
| 2011 | 98.71 | −0.59 | #210 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malawi matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2016. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi's dependency ratio was 74.20 in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 2.8% decrease from the previous year.
Malawi's dependency ratio peaked at 100.35 in 2007.
The lowest dependency ratio in Malawi was 74.20 in 2025.
Malawi ranks 28th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malawi's dependency ratio is projected to reach 74.20 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Malawi in 2025 was 74.20. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malawi_dependency-ratio,
title = {Malawi Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malawi/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}