Viet Nam Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Viet Nam's dependency ratio was 47.87 in 2025, ranked 161st globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Viet Nam's dependency ratio stood at 47.87 in 2025, a rise of +0.22 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 47.87 by 2025. Viet Nam ranked 161st globally.
Vietnam’s dependency ratio has fallen dramatically from an all‑time peak of 95.16 in 1967 to a trough of 43.06 in 2012, reflecting rapid demographic transition as the proportion of working‑age people expanded relative to children and the elderly. By 2025 the ratio stands at 47.87, placing the country 161st globally and closely aligning with South Africa’s 47.85 and Ecuador’s 48.16, indicating a comparable burden of dependents on the labour force in these middle‑income economies. The 66‑year series shows a steady decline after the 1970s, driven by falling fertility and increasing life expectancy, yet the modest rise since the 2012 trough suggests a nascent ageing of the population. Continued improvements in health outcomes and sustained low fertility could keep the ratio near the current level, but a sudden slowdown in labour‑force participation or a rapid rise in life expectancy would likely push the ratio upward, reshaping Vietnam’s demographic balance.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 48.20 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 48.04 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 47.87 | - | - |
| 2025 | 47.87 | +0.22 | #161 |
| 2024 | 47.65 | +0.10 | #52 |
| 2023 | 47.55 | +0.14 | #52 |
| 2022 | 47.42 | +0.18 | #51 |
| 2021 | 47.24 | +0.28 | #51 |
| 2020 | 46.96 | +0.36 | #51 |
| 2019 | 46.61 | +0.48 | #49 |
| 2018 | 46.12 | +0.80 | #48 |
| 2017 | 45.32 | +0.94 | #43 |
| 2016 | 44.39 | +0.62 | #37 |
| 2015 | 43.77 | +0.39 | #38 |
| 2014 | 43.37 | +0.31 | #38 |
| 2013 | 43.07 | +0.01 | #39 |
| 2012 | 43.06 | −0.37 | #37 |
| 2011 | 43.43 | −0.73 | #39 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Viet Nam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Viet Nam's dependency ratio was 47.87 in 2025. Ranked 161st globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Viet Nam's dependency ratio peaked at 95.16 in 1967.
The lowest dependency ratio in Viet Nam was 43.06 in 2012.
Viet Nam ranks 161st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Viet Nam's dependency ratio is projected to reach 47.87 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Viet Nam in 2025 was 47.87. This ranks 161st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_viet-nam_dependency-ratio,
title = {Viet Nam Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/viet-nam/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}