Uruguay Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Uruguay's dependency ratio was 51.76 in 2025, ranked 137th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Uruguay's dependency ratio stood at 51.76 in 2025, a decline of +0.54 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.76 by 2025. Uruguay ranked 137th globally.
Uruguay’s total dependency ratio, which measures the proportion of the non‑working‑age population relative to the working‑age cohort, has fallen to 51.76 in 2025, placing the country at rank 137 globally and matching Aruba’s figure while edging slightly above Panama’s 51.80. The ratio has declined steadily over the 66‑year series, moving from an early‑record 55.69 in 1960 to a historic low of 51.76 in the most recent year, after reaching an all‑time peak of 60.13 in 1980. The downward trajectory reflects demographic transition dynamics, including lower fertility rates and gradual ageing of the population, which have reduced the share of children while the proportion of elderly remains modest. Compared with peers such as Sri Lanka (51.85) and Spain (51.72), Uruguay’s ratio suggests a relatively balanced age structure, though further reductions will depend on sustained low birth rates and continued improvements in health that keep the elderly share from rising sharply.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 50.82 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.29 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 51.76 | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.76 | −0.54 | #137 |
| 2024 | 52.30 | −0.37 | #85 |
| 2023 | 52.67 | −0.43 | #87 |
| 2022 | 53.09 | −0.55 | #94 |
| 2021 | 53.65 | −0.52 | #96 |
| 2020 | 54.16 | −0.40 | #105 |
| 2019 | 54.56 | −0.35 | #108 |
| 2018 | 54.92 | −0.31 | #115 |
| 2017 | 55.22 | −0.25 | #122 |
| 2016 | 55.47 | −0.19 | #127 |
| 2015 | 55.66 | −0.24 | #129 |
| 2014 | 55.89 | −0.30 | #125 |
| 2013 | 56.19 | −0.34 | #130 |
| 2012 | 56.53 | −0.43 | #132 |
| 2011 | 56.95 | −0.47 | #131 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uruguay matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2020. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uruguay's dependency ratio was 51.76 in 2025. Ranked 137th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Uruguay's dependency ratio peaked at 60.13 in 1980.
The lowest dependency ratio in Uruguay was 51.76 in 2025.
Uruguay ranks 137th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uruguay's dependency ratio is projected to reach 51.76 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Uruguay in 2025 was 51.76. This ranks 137th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uruguay_dependency-ratio,
title = {Uruguay Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uruguay/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}