Labor Force Participation Rate by Country 2024

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) is a critical indicator that reflects the proportion of a country’s working-age population actively engaged in the workforce, either by working or actively seeking employment. This rate, expressed as a percentage of the population aged 15 and above, is influenced by factors such as economic conditions, cultural norms, educational access, and government policies. A high LFPR can indicate economic vitality and widespread opportunities for employment, while a low LFPR may point to structural challenges, barriers to employment, or sociocultural factors that limit workforce engagement.

This article provides an in-depth look at labor force participation rates across the world, highlighting countries with the highest and lowest rates. Data has been sourced from the World Bank’s Labor Force Participation Rate (% of total population ages 15+), ensuring reliable and up-to-date insights for each country.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Labor Force Participation Rate

1. Qatar – 88.87%
2. Madagascar – 85.2%
3. Solomon Islands – 84.5%
4. United Arab Emirates – 82.64%
5. Tanzania – 81.39%
6. Ethiopia – 80.29%
7. Mozambique – 79.03%
8. Burundi – 78.81%
9. Eritrea – 78.28%
10. Liberia – 76.86%

Countries with high labor force participation rates, such as Qatar and Madagascar, exhibit strong engagement in the workforce. In Qatar and the UAE, high rates are largely driven by their booming economies and reliance on foreign labor. In Madagascar, the Solomon Islands, and other African nations, the high participation rate reflects limited access to social safety nets, necessitating workforce involvement. Additionally, many of these countries have high levels of informal or subsistence work, with significant portions of the population engaged in agriculture and trade.

Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Labor Force Participation Rate

1. Djibouti – 32.15%
2. Yemen – 32.79%
3. Somalia – 34.11%
4. Afghanistan – 36.95%
5. Syria – 38.66%
6. Jordan – 39.44%
7. Nepal – 40.48%
8. Mauritania – 41.19%
9. Tajikistan – 41.29%
10. Iraq – 41.42%

Countries with low labor force participation rates often face significant challenges, including political instability, economic crises, and cultural factors that restrict workforce engagement, particularly for women. For instance, conflict zones like Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Syria have limited job opportunities and unsafe conditions that make it difficult for people to work. In countries like Jordan and Iraq, cultural norms and low female labor participation contribute to the low overall LFPR. These factors highlight the social and economic barriers that prevent large segments of the population from joining the workforce.

Full Table of Labor Force Participation Rate by Country (% of Population)

Factors Affecting Labor Force Participation Rates

Economic Stability and Job Availability

A stable economy typically encourages higher labor force participation, as people have greater access to job opportunities. Conversely, in economies facing recession or political unrest, labor force participation may decline as jobs become scarcer or less desirable due to safety concerns.

Gender and Cultural Norms

In many regions, cultural expectations regarding gender roles can influence labor force participation. Countries with restrictive cultural norms may have low female workforce engagement, contributing to a lower overall participation rate. Conversely, nations with high gender equality tend to see higher participation rates as women and men alike contribute to the workforce.

Education and Skill Development

Access to quality education and skill development opportunities is essential for workforce participation. Countries with high levels of educational attainment generally see higher labor force participation, as educated populations have more employment opportunities. By contrast, nations with low literacy rates or limited educational access may struggle with workforce engagement.

Source

• Labor force participation rate, total (% of total population ages 15+) (modeled ILO estimate)