Timor-Leste Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Timor-Leste's dependency ratio was 61.86 in 2025, ranked 64th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's dependency ratio stood at 61.86 in 2025, a decline of +1.90 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 61.86 by 2025. Timor-Leste ranked 64th globally.
Timor‑Leste’s dependency ratio has fallen markedly over the six‑decade span from 74.34 in 1960 to 61.86 in 2025, placing the nation at 64th globally and representing an all‑time trough after a peak of 85.16 in 2010. The sustained decline reflects a gradual transition from a youthful, high‑dependency structure toward a more balanced age composition, driven by modest improvements in life expectancy and a slowdown in fertility rates. Compared with peers of similar rank, the country’s ratio is slightly higher than Kyrgyz Republic’s 61.48 and Lesotho’s 61.53, yet lower than Finland’s 63.07, indicating that Timor‑Leste remains among the less dependent economies in the lower‑middle tier. The 66‑year coverage shows that the downward trajectory is consistent, though any resurgence in birth rates or a sharp rise in elderly mortality could stall progress. Continued investment in health and education is likely to keep the ratio on a gentle decline in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 58.18 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.02 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 61.86 | - | - |
| 2025 | 61.86 | −1.90 | #64 |
| 2024 | 63.76 | −1.70 | #158 |
| 2023 | 65.46 | −1.87 | #162 |
| 2022 | 67.33 | −1.92 | #165 |
| 2021 | 69.26 | −1.80 | #168 |
| 2020 | 71.06 | −1.76 | #170 |
| 2019 | 72.82 | −1.75 | #171 |
| 2018 | 74.57 | −1.73 | #173 |
| 2017 | 76.30 | −1.75 | #176 |
| 2016 | 78.05 | −1.75 | #176 |
| 2015 | 79.80 | −1.76 | #179 |
| 2014 | 81.56 | −1.63 | #184 |
| 2013 | 83.19 | −1.20 | #186 |
| 2012 | 84.39 | −0.67 | #189 |
| 2011 | 85.06 | −0.10 | #189 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste 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
Timor-Leste's dependency ratio was 61.86 in 2025. Ranked 64th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's dependency ratio peaked at 85.16 in 2010.
The lowest dependency ratio in Timor-Leste was 61.86 in 2025.
Timor-Leste ranks 64th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Timor-Leste's dependency ratio is projected to reach 61.86 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Timor-Leste in 2025 was 61.86. This ranks 64th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_dependency-ratio,
title = {Timor-Leste Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}