Malaysia Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Malaysia's dependency ratio was 41.19 in 2025, ranked 196th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's dependency ratio stood at 41.19 in 2025, a decline of +0.70 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 41.19 by 2025. Malaysia ranked 196th globally.
Malaysia’s dependency ratio has fallen dramatically over the 66‑year series, sliding from an early‑record high of 93.29 in 1960 to a historic low of 41.19 in 2025, the lowest level among 196 economies. The all‑time peak of 97.34 in 1964 reflects a post‑colonial demographic structure dominated by a large elderly cohort and limited labour‑force participation, while the current trough signals the combined effects of sustained fertility decline, rising life expectancy and a growing working‑age population. At 41.19, Malaysia ranks 196th globally, closely matching Sint Maarten (Dutch part) at 41.18 and slightly below the Bahamas at 41.75, indicating a comparable balance between dependents and producers in small‑state contexts. The continued compression of the ratio suggests that labour‑force growth will support economic expansion, yet any reversal in fertility trends or a slowdown in ageing could raise the ratio again, making demographic policy a key lever for future trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 39.99 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 40.59 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 41.19 | - | - |
| 2025 | 41.19 | −0.70 | #196 |
| 2024 | 41.89 | −0.43 | #22 |
| 2023 | 42.33 | −0.57 | #25 |
| 2022 | 42.90 | −0.68 | #29 |
| 2021 | 43.58 | −0.69 | #34 |
| 2020 | 44.27 | −0.57 | #39 |
| 2019 | 44.84 | −0.39 | #41 |
| 2018 | 45.23 | −0.27 | #41 |
| 2017 | 45.50 | −0.24 | #45 |
| 2016 | 45.73 | −0.30 | #52 |
| 2015 | 46.04 | −0.41 | #55 |
| 2014 | 46.45 | −0.50 | #56 |
| 2013 | 46.96 | −0.56 | #60 |
| 2012 | 47.52 | −0.63 | #68 |
| 2011 | 48.15 | −0.86 | #76 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's dependency ratio was 41.19 in 2025. Ranked 196th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's dependency ratio peaked at 97.34 in 1964.
The lowest dependency ratio in Malaysia was 41.19 in 2025.
Malaysia ranks 196th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's dependency ratio is projected to reach 41.19 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Malaysia in 2025 was 41.19. This ranks 196th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_dependency-ratio,
title = {Malaysia Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}