Papua New Guinea Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio was 58.02 in 2025, ranked 84th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio stood at 58.02 in 2025, a decline of +0.57 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 58.02 by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 84th globally.
Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of the population aged 0-14 and 65 years or older, has exhibited a significant decline over the past six decades. In 1972, the dependency ratio peaked at 88.97, indicating a high burden of supporting the population. Conversely, the ratio has been steadily decreasing to its current level of 58.02, ranking the country 84th globally. This trend is comparable to that of Slovenia, which has a dependency ratio of 58.33. The decline in Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio is likely due to improvements in healthcare and family planning, leading to lower fertility rates. As the population ages, the dependency ratio is expected to continue its downward trajectory, potentially driven by increased participation of older citizens in the workforce. However, a significant increase in labor force participation or a substantial shift in the age structure would be required to alter the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 56.92 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.47 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 58.02 | - | - |
| 2025 | 58.02 | −0.57 | #84 |
| 2024 | 58.59 | −0.53 | #136 |
| 2023 | 59.12 | −0.53 | #143 |
| 2022 | 59.65 | −0.55 | #145 |
| 2021 | 60.20 | −0.60 | #147 |
| 2020 | 60.80 | −0.63 | #150 |
| 2019 | 61.43 | −0.66 | #153 |
| 2018 | 62.08 | −0.66 | #153 |
| 2017 | 62.75 | −0.66 | #155 |
| 2016 | 63.40 | −0.64 | #156 |
| 2015 | 64.04 | −0.64 | #156 |
| 2014 | 64.68 | −0.64 | #158 |
| 2013 | 65.32 | −0.64 | #160 |
| 2012 | 65.96 | −0.63 | #159 |
| 2011 | 66.59 | −0.64 | #159 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio was 58.02 in 2025. Ranked 84th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio peaked at 88.97 in 1972.
The lowest dependency ratio in Papua New Guinea was 58.02 in 2025.
Papua New Guinea ranks 84th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Papua New Guinea's dependency ratio is projected to reach 58.02 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was 58.02. This ranks 84th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_dependency-ratio,
title = {Papua New Guinea Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}