South Africa Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
South Africa's dependency ratio was 47.85 in 2025, ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's dependency ratio stood at 47.85 in 2025, a decline of +0.46 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 47.85 by 2025. South Africa ranked 162nd globally.
South Africa's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of the population that is dependent on the working-age population, has undergone significant changes over the past six and a half decades. The country's all-time peak of 84.66 in 1971, a reflection of its youthful population during the post-independence era, stood in stark contrast to its current status. As of 2025, the dependency ratio has declined to 47.85, ranking South Africa 162 globally. This decline is comparable to that of Viet Nam, which has a similar dependency ratio of 47.87. The decrease in South Africa's dependency ratio is likely due to a decline in fertility rates and an increase in life expectancy. However, a significant aging population and low fertility rates may pose challenges for the country's future workforce and social security systems. If South Africa's population continues to age at a rapid pace, the dependency ratio may experience an upward shift in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 47.27 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.56 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 47.85 | - | - |
| 2025 | 47.85 | −0.46 | #162 |
| 2024 | 48.31 | −0.06 | #55 |
| 2023 | 48.37 | −0.18 | #54 |
| 2022 | 48.55 | −0.37 | #57 |
| 2021 | 48.92 | −0.58 | #58 |
| 2020 | 49.50 | −0.60 | #63 |
| 2019 | 50.09 | −0.58 | #73 |
| 2018 | 50.68 | −0.59 | #77 |
| 2017 | 51.27 | +0.21 | #87 |
| 2016 | 51.06 | +0.28 | #86 |
| 2015 | 50.78 | −0.36 | #90 |
| 2014 | 51.14 | −0.32 | #97 |
| 2013 | 51.46 | −0.41 | #102 |
| 2012 | 51.87 | −0.50 | #106 |
| 2011 | 52.36 | −0.66 | #112 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa 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
South Africa's dependency ratio was 47.85 in 2025. Ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's dependency ratio peaked at 84.66 in 1971.
The lowest dependency ratio in South Africa was 47.85 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 162nd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's dependency ratio is projected to reach 47.85 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of South Africa in 2025 was 47.85. This ranks 162nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_dependency-ratio,
title = {South Africa Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}