Tonga Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Tonga's dependency ratio was 72.97 in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Tonga's dependency ratio stood at 72.97 in 2025, a rise of +0.20 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 72.97 by 2025. Tonga ranked 33rd globally.
Tonga’s dependency ratio, measured as the combined proportion of children and elderly to the working‑age population, has fallen markedly from an all‑time peak of 98.28 in 1971 to a trough of 72.63 in 2021, before reaching 72.97 in the latest 2025 World Bank release, ranking the kingdom 33rd globally. The 66‑year series shows a sustained decline that mirrors demographic transitions in many Pacific islands, where falling fertility and rising life expectancy gradually reduce the share of dependents. Tonga’s 2025 figure is close to that of Liberia (73.52) and Madagascar (73.77), indicating a similar balance of non‑workers to workers in those economies. The long‑term downward trajectory suggests that, barring a reversal in age‑specific mortality or a sharp fertility resurgence, the dependency burden will continue to ease, potentially freeing resources for investment in human capital and infrastructure.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 73.07 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 73.02 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 72.97 | - | - |
| 2025 | 72.97 | +0.20 | #33 |
| 2024 | 72.77 | −0.32 | #183 |
| 2023 | 73.09 | +0.25 | #181 |
| 2022 | 72.84 | +0.21 | #176 |
| 2021 | 72.63 | −0.10 | #175 |
| 2020 | 72.73 | −0.36 | #174 |
| 2019 | 73.09 | −0.38 | #172 |
| 2018 | 73.47 | −0.28 | #170 |
| 2017 | 73.75 | −0.28 | #170 |
| 2016 | 74.03 | −0.61 | #171 |
| 2015 | 74.64 | −0.62 | #171 |
| 2014 | 75.26 | −0.40 | #171 |
| 2013 | 75.66 | −0.32 | #173 |
| 2012 | 75.99 | −0.19 | #173 |
| 2011 | 76.18 | −0.35 | #173 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's dependency ratio was 72.97 in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Tonga's dependency ratio peaked at 98.28 in 1971.
The lowest dependency ratio in Tonga was 72.63 in 2021.
Tonga ranks 33rd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tonga's dependency ratio is projected to reach 72.97 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Tonga in 2025 was 72.97. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_dependency-ratio,
title = {Tonga Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}