Maldives Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Maldives's dependency ratio was 31.50 in 2025, ranked 211th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Maldives's dependency ratio stood at 31.50 in 2025, a decline of +0.48 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 31.50 by 2025. Maldives ranked 211th globally.
The Maldives’ total dependency ratio has fallen dramatically over the 66‑year series, dropping from a high of 99.58 in 1992 to a record low of 31.50 in 2025, the lowest figure among 211 economies reported by the World Bank. This decline reflects a rapid demographic transition in which the proportion of children and elderly relative to the working‑age population has contracted as fertility rates fell and life expectancy rose modestly. By 2025 the Maldives ranks just above the British Virgin Islands (31.18) and marginally below the Cayman Islands (34.19), positioning it among small, high‑income jurisdictions with similarly low dependency burdens. The trough coincides with the country’s intensified investment in education, health and tourism‑driven income growth, which have expanded labor‑force participation and reduced the share of dependents. Continued diversification of the economy and sustained improvements in health outcomes are likely to keep the ratio low, although an ageing population could gradually lift the figure if fertility remains subdued.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 30.78 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 31.14 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 31.50 | - | - |
| 2025 | 31.50 | −0.48 | #211 |
| 2024 | 31.98 | −0.28 | #6 |
| 2023 | 32.26 | −0.12 | #6 |
| 2022 | 32.39 | −0.41 | #5 |
| 2021 | 32.79 | −0.74 | #7 |
| 2020 | 33.53 | −0.70 | #7 |
| 2019 | 34.23 | −0.72 | #8 |
| 2018 | 34.96 | −0.78 | #10 |
| 2017 | 35.74 | −0.83 | #10 |
| 2016 | 36.57 | −0.84 | #11 |
| 2015 | 37.41 | −0.76 | #13 |
| 2014 | 38.17 | −0.77 | #16 |
| 2013 | 38.94 | −0.99 | #18 |
| 2012 | 39.93 | −1.35 | #26 |
| 2011 | 41.28 | −1.80 | #31 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's dependency ratio was 31.50 in 2025. Ranked 211th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.
Maldives's dependency ratio peaked at 99.58 in 1992.
The lowest dependency ratio in Maldives was 31.50 in 2025.
Maldives ranks 211th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Maldives's dependency ratio is projected to reach 31.50 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Maldives in 2025 was 31.50. This ranks 211th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_dependency-ratio,
title = {Maldives Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}