Demographic and labor shifts in the Dominican Republic

Recent projections from the Dominican Republic’s National Statistics Office (ONE) indicate a significant demographic shift toward an aging population. Life expectancy is expected to reach 75.7 years by 2026, driven by increased longevity and improved healthcare. By 2050, the population aged 65 and older is projected to reach approximately 17%, while those under 15 will represent about 25%. For the first time in the nation's history, older adults are expected to outnumber children and adolescents by mid-century.

Simultaneously, labor statistics reveal a large segment of the population remains outside the formal workforce due to domestic responsibilities. In the second quarter of 2026, approximately 723,000 people in the Dominican Republic—over 95% of whom are women—reported they were not seeking employment due to family duties or household chores. These individuals are classified as ‘inactive’ in official statistics, highlighting a gap between economic measurement and the unrecognized value of unpaid care and domestic work.