Palau Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Palau's dependency ratio was 42.44 in 2025, ranked 192nd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Palau's dependency ratio stood at 42.44 in 2025, a rise of +0.42 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 42.44 by 2025. Palau ranked 192nd globally.
Palau's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of dependents to working-age individuals, has fluctuated significantly over the past 66 years. At 42.44 in 2025, Palau ranks 192 globally, with Colombia and Antigua and Barbuda sharing similar dependency ratios. Historically, Palau's dependency ratio peaked at 121.98 in 1966, a period marked by a relatively young population, and troughed at 36.85 in 2012, likely due to the country's aging population. The significant decline from the peak to the trough represents a substantial shift in Palau's demographic landscape. As Palau's population continues to age, it is likely that the dependency ratio will rise in the coming years, potentially reversing the trend observed from 1966 to 2012. A decrease in life expectancy or a reversal in fertility rates would be necessary to alter the trajectory of Palau's dependency ratio and potentially mitigate the increase in dependence on working-age individuals.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 43.25 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 42.85 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 42.44 | - | - |
| 2025 | 42.44 | +0.42 | #192 |
| 2024 | 42.01 | +0.39 | #24 |
| 2023 | 41.62 | +0.39 | #23 |
| 2022 | 41.24 | +0.41 | #23 |
| 2021 | 40.83 | +0.45 | #22 |
| 2020 | 40.37 | +0.42 | #21 |
| 2019 | 39.95 | +0.41 | #22 |
| 2018 | 39.55 | +0.38 | #21 |
| 2017 | 39.17 | +0.31 | #21 |
| 2016 | 38.85 | +0.23 | #19 |
| 2015 | 38.62 | +0.54 | #19 |
| 2014 | 38.09 | +0.84 | #15 |
| 2013 | 37.25 | +0.39 | #13 |
| 2012 | 36.85 | −0.08 | #12 |
| 2011 | 36.93 | −0.25 | #10 |
Analysis
Palau's dependency ratio was 42.44 in 2025, a rise of +0.42 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 42.44 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Palau's dependency ratio was 42.44 in 2025. Ranked 192nd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Palau's dependency ratio peaked at 121.98 in 1966.
The lowest dependency ratio in Palau was 36.85 in 2012.
Palau ranks 192nd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Palau's dependency ratio is projected to reach 42.44 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Palau in 2025 was 42.44. This ranks 192nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_palau_dependency-ratio,
title = {Palau Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/palau/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}