Vanuatu Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Vanuatu's dependency ratio was 74.12 in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's dependency ratio stood at 74.12 in 2025, a decline of +0.13 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 74.12 by 2025. Vanuatu ranked 29th globally.
Vanuatu’s total dependency ratio fell from a post‑war high of 93.64 in 1960 to an all‑time trough of 70.78 in 2010, before nudging upward to 74.12 in 2025, placing the nation 29th globally. The ratio’s peak of 95.76 in 1980 reflected a large youth cohort born during the baby‑boom period, while the 2010 trough coincided with a demographic transition that reduced both child and elderly dependents relative to the working‑age population. By 2025 the figure is marginally below the peak yet above the trough, mirroring a modest resurgence of dependents as fertility rates stabilize and life expectancy improves. Vanuatu’s current level is closely aligned with peers such as Malawi (74.20) and Togo (73.93), suggesting similar demographic pressures across the region. Continued declines in fertility and further gains in health could push the ratio lower, whereas slower ageing or migration inflows would likely sustain the present upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 73.42 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 73.77 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 74.12 | - | - |
| 2025 | 74.12 | −0.13 | #29 |
| 2024 | 74.25 | −0.68 | #185 |
| 2023 | 74.92 | −0.47 | #185 |
| 2022 | 75.39 | −0.22 | #183 |
| 2021 | 75.61 | −0.02 | #180 |
| 2020 | 75.64 | +0.17 | #180 |
| 2019 | 75.47 | +0.38 | #176 |
| 2018 | 75.09 | +0.53 | #175 |
| 2017 | 74.55 | +0.65 | #171 |
| 2016 | 73.91 | +0.71 | #169 |
| 2015 | 73.20 | +0.74 | #169 |
| 2014 | 72.46 | +0.72 | #168 |
| 2013 | 71.75 | +0.57 | #169 |
| 2012 | 71.18 | +0.33 | #167 |
| 2011 | 70.85 | +0.07 | #166 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Vanuatu matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's dependency ratio was 74.12 in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Vanuatu's dependency ratio peaked at 95.76 in 1980.
The lowest dependency ratio in Vanuatu was 70.78 in 2010.
Vanuatu ranks 29th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Vanuatu's dependency ratio is projected to reach 74.12 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Vanuatu in 2025 was 74.12. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_dependency-ratio,
title = {Vanuatu Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}