South Sudan Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
South Sudan's dependency ratio was 69.72 in 2025, ranked 41st globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's dependency ratio stood at 69.72 in 2025, a decline of +2.42 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 69.72 by 2025. South Sudan ranked 41st globally.
South Sudan's dependency ratio, which measures the proportion of its population that is not in the labor force, has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years. The country's all-time peak dependency ratio of 97.31 in 1987 reflects the devastating impact of the Second Sudanese Civil War, which led to a substantial decline in the working-age population. Conversely, the current dependency ratio of 69.72, the lowest in the country's history, is a result of a relatively young population, with a significant proportion below the working age. This trend places South Sudan near the bottom of the global rankings, alongside countries like São Tomé and Principe and Nauru. The relatively low dependency ratio is a positive indicator for the country's economic growth prospects, as a larger proportion of the population is available to participate in the workforce. A continued decline in mortality rates and improvements in healthcare infrastructure could further reduce the dependency ratio, potentially altering the country's long-term economic trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 64.67 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 67.19 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 69.72 | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.72 | −2.42 | #41 |
| 2024 | 72.14 | −2.57 | #181 |
| 2023 | 74.72 | −2.87 | #183 |
| 2022 | 77.59 | −2.26 | #187 |
| 2021 | 79.84 | −2.37 | #192 |
| 2020 | 82.21 | −3.62 | #194 |
| 2019 | 85.83 | −4.54 | #199 |
| 2018 | 90.37 | −0.36 | #205 |
| 2017 | 90.73 | +4.64 | #202 |
| 2016 | 86.10 | +2.21 | #195 |
| 2015 | 83.88 | +1.99 | #190 |
| 2014 | 81.89 | +1.95 | #185 |
| 2013 | 79.94 | −0.15 | #181 |
| 2012 | 80.09 | −0.80 | #180 |
| 2011 | 80.89 | −1.99 | #180 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's dependency ratio was 69.72 in 2025. Ranked 41st globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's dependency ratio peaked at 97.31 in 1987.
The lowest dependency ratio in South Sudan was 69.72 in 2025.
South Sudan ranks 41st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's dependency ratio is projected to reach 69.72 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of South Sudan in 2025 was 69.72. This ranks 41st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_dependency-ratio,
title = {South Sudan Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}