Nepal Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Nepal's dependency ratio was 52.64 in 2025, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nepal's dependency ratio stood at 52.64 in 2025, a decline of +1.05 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 52.64 by 2025. Nepal ranked 129th globally.
Nepal’s total dependency ratio has fallen dramatically over the 66‑year series, dropping from a high of 82.41 in 1990 to a trough of 52.64 in 2025, the lowest point recorded and the 129th lowest among 191 economies. The decline reflects sustained reductions in both youth and elderly dependents relative to the working‑age population, driven by declining fertility and gradual improvements in health outcomes. Compared with peers of similar rank, Nepal’s ratio is marginally higher than the Dominican Republic’s 52.59 and slightly lower than Lao PDR’s 52.90, indicating that Nepal is converging toward the regional norm for developing economies. The long‑term downward trajectory suggests a widening labor pool that could support higher economic growth if matched by productive employment opportunities, while any reversal in demographic trends or a slowdown in labor‑market reforms could temper this positive momentum.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 51.26 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.95 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 52.64 | - | - |
| 2025 | 52.64 | −1.05 | #129 |
| 2024 | 53.69 | −0.34 | #96 |
| 2023 | 54.02 | −0.14 | #103 |
| 2022 | 54.17 | −0.81 | #102 |
| 2021 | 54.97 | −1.68 | #111 |
| 2020 | 56.65 | −2.05 | #124 |
| 2019 | 58.70 | −1.48 | #140 |
| 2018 | 60.18 | −0.71 | #148 |
| 2017 | 60.89 | −0.73 | #152 |
| 2016 | 61.62 | −1.05 | #153 |
| 2015 | 62.68 | −1.20 | #154 |
| 2014 | 63.87 | −1.02 | #154 |
| 2013 | 64.89 | −1.00 | #157 |
| 2012 | 65.88 | −1.23 | #158 |
| 2011 | 67.11 | −1.61 | #161 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nepal matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2016. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal's dependency ratio was 52.64 in 2025. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
Nepal's dependency ratio peaked at 82.41 in 1990.
The lowest dependency ratio in Nepal was 52.64 in 2025.
Nepal ranks 129th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nepal's dependency ratio is projected to reach 52.64 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Nepal in 2025 was 52.64. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nepal_dependency-ratio,
title = {Nepal Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nepal/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}