Singapore Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Singapore's dependency ratio was 34.58 in 2025, ranked 209th globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Singapore's dependency ratio stood at 34.58 in 2025, a rise of +0.63 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 34.58 by 2025. Singapore ranked 209th globally.
Singapore's dependency ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 66 years. The country's all-time peak of 89.58 in 1961 indicates a period of high dependency, while the trough of 26.87 in 2012 marks a substantial decline. Since then, the ratio has been trending upwards, reaching 34.58 in 2025. This rate is comparable to that of Saudi Arabia, which ranked 14th globally with a ratio of 35.77. The country's aging population and low fertility rate are key drivers of the increasing dependency ratio. A decline in the labor force participation rate and an increase in the proportion of elderly citizens are expected to continue this trend. However, a significant influx of immigrants or a reversal in fertility rates could potentially alter the trajectory of Singapore's dependency ratio, necessitating a shift in the country's demographic management strategies.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 35.85 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 35.22 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 34.58 | - | - |
| 2025 | 34.58 | +0.63 | #209 |
| 2024 | 33.94 | +0.82 | #8 |
| 2023 | 33.13 | +0.33 | #8 |
| 2022 | 32.80 | +0.47 | #7 |
| 2021 | 32.32 | +1.16 | #6 |
| 2020 | 31.16 | +0.98 | #4 |
| 2019 | 30.19 | +0.63 | #4 |
| 2018 | 29.56 | +0.71 | #4 |
| 2017 | 28.85 | +0.69 | #3 |
| 2016 | 28.15 | +0.47 | #3 |
| 2015 | 27.68 | +0.37 | #3 |
| 2014 | 27.31 | +0.29 | #4 |
| 2013 | 27.02 | +0.15 | #4 |
| 2012 | 26.87 | −0.08 | #4 |
| 2011 | 26.95 | −0.39 | #4 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore's dependency ratio was 34.58 in 2025. Ranked 209th globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from the previous year.
Singapore's dependency ratio peaked at 89.58 in 1961.
The lowest dependency ratio in Singapore was 26.87 in 2012.
Singapore ranks 209th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Singapore's dependency ratio is projected to reach 34.58 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Singapore in 2025 was 34.58. This ranks 209th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_dependency-ratio,
title = {Singapore Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}