Northern Mariana Islands Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Northern Mariana Islands's dependency ratio was 47.69 in 2025, ranked 164th globally. This represents a 2.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Northern Mariana Islands's dependency ratio stood at 47.69 in 2025, a rise of +1.16 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 47.69 by 2025. Northern Mariana Islands ranked 164th globally.
Northern Mariana Islands’ total dependency ratio fell dramatically from an all‑time peak of 117.13 in 1964 to a historic low of 32.64 in 2000, reflecting a rapid transition from a youthful, agrarian population to one dominated by a relatively small working‑age cohort supporting fewer dependents. By 2025 the ratio had risen modestly to 47.69, placing the territory at rank 164 globally and aligning it with peers such as the Syrian Arab Republic (47.69) and South Africa (47.85). The long‑term decline over 66 years signals sustained fertility reductions and increased life expectancy, while the recent uptick suggests an aging labor force and a modest resurgence of youth dependents, likely tied to migration and economic diversification. Continued out‑migration of working‑age residents or further aging could push the ratio higher, whereas policies that attract younger workers or boost birth rates would be needed to reverse the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 49.90 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 48.79 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 47.69 | - | - |
| 2025 | 47.69 | +1.16 | #164 |
| 2024 | 46.53 | +0.93 | #48 |
| 2023 | 45.60 | +1.24 | #43 |
| 2022 | 44.36 | +1.18 | #37 |
| 2021 | 43.17 | +0.95 | #30 |
| 2020 | 42.22 | +0.13 | #28 |
| 2019 | 42.09 | −0.35 | #29 |
| 2018 | 42.44 | −0.13 | #29 |
| 2017 | 42.58 | +0.04 | #30 |
| 2016 | 42.54 | +0.16 | #31 |
| 2015 | 42.38 | +0.19 | #32 |
| 2014 | 42.19 | +0.16 | #35 |
| 2013 | 42.03 | +0.08 | #35 |
| 2012 | 41.95 | −0.02 | #34 |
| 2011 | 41.97 | +0.04 | #34 |
Analysis
Northern Mariana Islands's dependency ratio was 47.69 in 2025, a rise of +1.16 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 47.69 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Northern Mariana Islands's dependency ratio was 47.69 in 2025. Ranked 164th globally. This represents a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
Northern Mariana Islands's dependency ratio peaked at 117.13 in 1964.
The lowest dependency ratio in Northern Mariana Islands was 32.64 in 2000.
Northern Mariana Islands ranks 164th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Northern Mariana Islands's dependency ratio is projected to reach 47.69 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Northern Mariana Islands in 2025 was 47.69. This ranks 164th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_northern-mariana-islands_dependency-ratio,
title = {Northern Mariana Islands Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/northern-mariana-islands/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}