Panama Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Panama's dependency ratio was 51.80 in 2025, ranked 136th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Panama's dependency ratio stood at 51.80 in 2025, a decline of +0.29 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.80 by 2025. Panama ranked 136th globally.
Panama's dependency ratio has undergone significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with a marked decline in recent years. The country's all-time peak occurred in 1966, with a ratio of 92.72, reflecting a substantial burden on the working-age population at the time. This ratio decreased steadily, but then surged, before stabilizing at a lower level. As of 2025, Panama's dependency ratio stands at 51.80, ranking 136 globally. This is closely aligned with peer countries such as Sri Lanka, which shares a similar ratio of 51.85. The substantial decrease in the dependency ratio since 1966 suggests a shift towards a more balanced population structure. However, with an aging population and a low fertility rate, Panama may face challenges in sustaining this trend. A significant increase in fertility rates or a substantial influx of younger workers could potentially alter the trajectory of Panama's dependency ratio in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 51.29 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.54 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 51.80 | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.80 | −0.29 | #136 |
| 2024 | 52.09 | −0.20 | #82 |
| 2023 | 52.28 | −0.24 | #82 |
| 2022 | 52.52 | −0.27 | #88 |
| 2021 | 52.79 | −0.31 | #90 |
| 2020 | 53.10 | −0.30 | #95 |
| 2019 | 53.40 | −0.22 | #100 |
| 2018 | 53.62 | −0.16 | #106 |
| 2017 | 53.79 | −0.16 | #110 |
| 2016 | 53.95 | −0.16 | #112 |
| 2015 | 54.10 | −0.15 | #116 |
| 2014 | 54.25 | −0.16 | #118 |
| 2013 | 54.41 | −0.18 | #118 |
| 2012 | 54.58 | −0.18 | #121 |
| 2011 | 54.76 | −0.21 | #123 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Panama's dependency ratio was 51.80 in 2025. Ranked 136th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
Panama's dependency ratio peaked at 92.72 in 1966.
The lowest dependency ratio in Panama was 51.80 in 2025.
Panama ranks 136th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Panama's dependency ratio is projected to reach 51.80 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Panama in 2025 was 51.80. This ranks 136th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_dependency-ratio,
title = {Panama Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}