Malta Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Malta's dependency ratio was 50.65 in 2025, ranked 147th globally. This represents a 1.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malta's dependency ratio stood at 50.65 in 2025, a rise of +0.86 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 50.65 by 2025. Malta ranked 147th globally.
Malta’s total dependency ratio, which measures the combined proportion of children and elderly dependents to the working‑age population, stood at 50.65 in 2025, placing the island nation at rank 147 worldwide. This figure represents a marked decline from the all‑time peak of 75.30 recorded in 1960, when the post‑war baby boom and limited labor‑force participation drove dependents to dominate the demographic structure. The ratio reached its lowest point in 2008 at 42.45, reflecting the effects of rising life expectancy, declining fertility and the expansion of the labour market during the early 2000s. Malta’s current level is closely aligned with peers such as Argentina (50.70) and Djibouti (50.58), suggesting a convergence toward the median dependency experience of small economies. Continued ageing of the population and modest fertility rebounds could nudge the ratio upward, while policies that extend working lives or attract younger migrants would be needed to sustain the recent downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 52.31 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.48 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 50.65 | - | - |
| 2025 | 50.65 | +0.86 | #147 |
| 2024 | 49.80 | +0.65 | #65 |
| 2023 | 49.15 | +1.01 | #61 |
| 2022 | 48.14 | +1.08 | #54 |
| 2021 | 47.06 | +0.36 | #50 |
| 2020 | 46.70 | −0.66 | #49 |
| 2019 | 47.35 | −0.90 | #54 |
| 2018 | 48.25 | −0.65 | #63 |
| 2017 | 48.90 | +0.07 | #67 |
| 2016 | 48.83 | +0.56 | #65 |
| 2015 | 48.27 | +0.60 | #65 |
| 2014 | 47.68 | +0.98 | #65 |
| 2013 | 46.70 | +1.25 | #59 |
| 2012 | 45.45 | +1.12 | #53 |
| 2011 | 44.34 | +0.87 | #45 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta 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
Malta's dependency ratio was 50.65 in 2025. Ranked 147th globally. This represents a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
Malta's dependency ratio peaked at 75.30 in 1960.
The lowest dependency ratio in Malta was 42.45 in 2008.
Malta ranks 147th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's dependency ratio is projected to reach 50.65 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Malta in 2025 was 50.65. This ranks 147th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_dependency-ratio,
title = {Malta Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}