Sri Lanka Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Sri Lanka's dependency ratio was 51.85 in 2025, ranked 135th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's dependency ratio stood at 51.85 in 2025, a rise of +0.02 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.85 by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 135th globally.
Sri Lanka's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of the population that is either too young or too old to work, has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past six and a half decades. At 51.85 in 2025, the country ranks 135 globally, with the Channel Islands and Panama closely trailing at 52.19 and 51.80, respectively. Sri Lanka's dependency ratio peaked in 1960 at 82.44, largely due to a high birth rate and limited access to family planning services. In stark contrast, the ratio hit a trough of 48.06 in 2005, a result of declining birth rates and improved access to education and family planning. The recent upward trend is concerning, particularly as the ratio is now approaching pre-2005 levels. A sustained increase in birth rates or a decline in working-age population due to aging would exacerbate this trend, underscoring the need for Sri Lanka to address its demographic challenges through targeted policies and investments in education and family planning.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 51.94 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.89 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 51.85 | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.85 | +0.02 | #135 |
| 2024 | 51.82 | +0.08 | #80 |
| 2023 | 51.75 | +0.06 | #79 |
| 2022 | 51.68 | +0.03 | #81 |
| 2021 | 51.66 | +0.02 | #84 |
| 2020 | 51.64 | +0.05 | #84 |
| 2019 | 51.58 | +0.09 | #83 |
| 2018 | 51.49 | +0.15 | #83 |
| 2017 | 51.34 | +0.23 | #88 |
| 2016 | 51.11 | +0.32 | #89 |
| 2015 | 50.79 | +0.40 | #91 |
| 2014 | 50.39 | +0.43 | #88 |
| 2013 | 49.97 | +0.38 | #91 |
| 2012 | 49.59 | +0.35 | #87 |
| 2011 | 49.24 | +0.33 | #85 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's dependency ratio was 51.85 in 2025. Ranked 135th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's dependency ratio peaked at 82.44 in 1960.
The lowest dependency ratio in Sri Lanka was 48.06 in 2005.
Sri Lanka ranks 135th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's dependency ratio is projected to reach 51.85 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 51.85. This ranks 135th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_dependency-ratio,
title = {Sri Lanka Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}