São Tomé and Principe Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
São Tomé and Principe's dependency ratio was 69.84 in 2025, ranked 40th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
São Tomé and Principe's dependency ratio stood at 69.84 in 2025, a decline of +1.77 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 69.84 by 2025. São Tomé and Principe ranked 40th globally.
São Tomé and Principe's dependency ratio has exhibited considerable fluctuations over the past six and a half decades. The country's earliest recorded dependency ratio in 1960 stood at 57.49, but this figure sharply increased to a peak of 103.07 in 1970. Conversely, the economy experienced a decrease in its dependency ratio in the following years, eventually reaching 69.84 in 2025. This latest value ranks the country 40th globally, closely following Senegal with a comparable ratio of 70.02. The country's dependency ratio is projected to continue its downward trajectory as the age structure of its population shifts, potentially influenced by improvements in healthcare and education. However, a decline in fertility rates, particularly among young women, would significantly contribute to a reduction in the dependency ratio, thus improving the country's economic prospects.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 66.71 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.27 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 69.84 | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.84 | −1.77 | #40 |
| 2024 | 71.61 | −1.24 | #178 |
| 2023 | 72.85 | −1.47 | #178 |
| 2022 | 74.32 | −1.69 | #180 |
| 2021 | 76.01 | −1.85 | #181 |
| 2020 | 77.86 | −1.66 | #183 |
| 2019 | 79.52 | −1.29 | #186 |
| 2018 | 80.81 | −1.10 | #186 |
| 2017 | 81.91 | −0.91 | #188 |
| 2016 | 82.82 | −0.64 | #188 |
| 2015 | 83.46 | −0.32 | #188 |
| 2014 | 83.78 | −0.05 | #190 |
| 2013 | 83.83 | +0.16 | #189 |
| 2012 | 83.67 | −0.15 | #186 |
| 2011 | 83.82 | −0.50 | #184 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
São Tomé and Principe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
São Tomé and Principe's dependency ratio was 69.84 in 2025. Ranked 40th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous year.
São Tomé and Principe's dependency ratio peaked at 103.07 in 1970.
The lowest dependency ratio in São Tomé and Principe was 57.49 in 1960.
São Tomé and Principe ranks 40th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
São Tomé and Principe's dependency ratio is projected to reach 69.84 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of São Tomé and Principe in 2025 was 69.84. This ranks 40th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_s-o-tom-and-principe_dependency-ratio,
title = {São Tomé and Principe Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/s-o-tom-and-principe/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}