Average Annual Working Hours 2006

Average annual working hours per worker indicates productivity and work-life balance in each country.

130 data points••Global Coverage•Annual working hours per worker | Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table and others via Our World in Data•

Newer data is available: Average Annual Working Hours by country 2023 →

Highest
United Arab Emirates
2,613.4 hours
Lowest
Uganda
1,344.1 hours
Median country
2,005.62 hours
Countries with data
130

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
2,613.4 hours
2
Sudan flag
Sudan
2,611.95 hours
3
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
2,572.6 hours
4
Singapore flag
Singapore
2,506.41 hours
5
Congo flag
Congo
2,505.78 hours
6
Botswana flag
Botswana
2,484.91 hours
7
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
2,483.76 hours
8
Iran flag
Iran
2,473.18 hours
9
Jordan flag
Jordan
2,472 hours
10
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
2,468.85 hours
11
China flag
China
2,459.6 hours
12
India flag
India
2,455.16 hours
13
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
2,446.32 hours
14
Colombia flag
Colombia
2,444.57 hours
15
Qatar flag
Qatar
2,429.08 hours
16
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
2,407.58 hours
17
Thailand flag
Thailand
2,398.77 hours
18
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
2,392.67 hours
19
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
2,365.61 hours
20
Egypt flag
Egypt
2,356.56 hours
21
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
2,347.28 hours
22
South Korea flag
South Korea
2,343.5 hours
23
Albania flag
Albania
2,333.12 hours
24
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
2,329.56 hours
25
South Africa flag
South Africa
2,315.75 hours
26
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
2,303.85 hours
27
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
2,296.59 hours
28
Oman flag
Oman
2,287.13 hours
29
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
2,285.1 hours
30
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
2,281.61 hours
31
Algeria flag
Algeria
2,249.99 hours
32
Mali flag
Mali
2,211.17 hours
33
Serbia flag
Serbia
2,209.82 hours
34
Namibia flag
Namibia
2,188.95 hours
35
Morocco flag
Morocco
2,186.88 hours
36
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
2,185.85 hours
37
Gabon flag
Gabon
2,183.08 hours
38
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
2,170.07 hours
39
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
2,168.69 hours
40
Russia flag
Russia
2,168.1 hours
41
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
2,167.04 hours
42
Chile flag
Chile
2,165 hours
43
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
2,156.88 hours
44
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
2,144.03 hours
45
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
2,138.37 hours
46
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
2,134.71 hours
47
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
2,123.36 hours
48
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
2,104.54 hours
49
Philippines flag
Philippines
2,103.09 hours
50
Peru flag
Peru
2,100.76 hours
51
Angola flag
Angola
2,093.11 hours
52
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
2,090.12 hours
53
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
2,084.66 hours
54
Yemen flag
Yemen
2,081.51 hours
55
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
2,077.8 hours
56
Brazil flag
Brazil
2,070.85 hours
57
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
2,063.03 hours
58
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
2,051.53 hours
59
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
2,043.51 hours
60
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
2,041.5 hours
61
Greece flag
Greece
2,036.77 hours
62
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
2,034.29 hours
63
Kenya flag
Kenya
2,026.59 hours
64
Niger flag
Niger
2,021.84 hours
65
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
2,014.81 hours
66
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
1,996.43 hours
67
Armenia flag
Armenia
1,993.57 hours
68
Malta flag
Malta
1,980.9 hours
69
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
1,962.98 hours
70
Iraq flag
Iraq
1,945.39 hours
71
Turkey flag
Turkey
1,944 hours
72
Israel flag
Israel
1,930.76 hours
73
Croatia flag
Croatia
1,927.67 hours
74
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
1,927.39 hours
75
Zambia flag
Zambia
1,921.06 hours
76
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
1,909.48 hours
77
Estonia flag
Estonia
1,905.56 hours
78
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
1,903.85 hours
79
Belarus flag
Belarus
1,895.92 hours
80
Senegal flag
Senegal
1,890.53 hours
81
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
1,889.94 hours
82
Georgia flag
Georgia
1,865.73 hours
83
Poland flag
Poland
1,857.34 hours
84
Romania flag
Romania
1,836.08 hours
85
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
1,832.92 hours
86
United States flag
United States
1,831.26 hours
87
Latvia flag
Latvia
1,829 hours
88
Japan flag
Japan
1,827.1 hours
89
Hungary flag
Hungary
1,814.36 hours
90
Ireland flag
Ireland
1,790.13 hours
91
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
1,789.1 hours
92
Italy flag
Italy
1,781.11 hours
93
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
1,776.3 hours
94
Argentina flag
Argentina
1,775.92 hours
95
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1,774.45 hours
96
Canada flag
Canada
1,774.12 hours
97
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
1,772.75 hours
98
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
1,766.32 hours
99
Portugal flag
Portugal
1,748.29 hours
100
Ghana flag
Ghana
1,737.41 hours
101
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
1,722.26 hours
102
Spain flag
Spain
1,707.05 hours
103
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
1,679.24 hours
104
Australia flag
Australia
1,676.85 hours
105
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
1,676.2 hours
106
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1,667.41 hours
107
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
1,654.1 hours
108
Mexico flag
Mexico
1,653.09 hours
109
Iceland flag
Iceland
1,645.37 hours
110
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
1,623.38 hours
111
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
1,622.8 hours
112
Austria flag
Austria
1,620.25 hours
113
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
1,610.68 hours
114
Finland flag
Finland
1,610.21 hours
115
Belgium flag
Belgium
1,591.64 hours
116
Malawi flag
Malawi
1,582.35 hours
117
Chad flag
Chad
1,572.98 hours
118
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
1,567.13 hours
119
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
1,567.03 hours
120
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
1,553.59 hours
121
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
1,541.07 hours
122
France flag
France
1,503.36 hours
123
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
1,487.81 hours
124
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
1,485.9 hours
125
Denmark flag
Denmark
1,455.7 hours
126
Germany flag
Germany
1,452.42 hours
127
Sweden flag
Sweden
1,450.34 hours
128
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
1,440.5 hours
129
Norway flag
Norway
1,426.13 hours
130
Uganda flag
Uganda
1,344.1 hours

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
  2. #2Sudan flagSudan
  3. #3Myanmar flagMyanmar
  4. #4Singapore flagSingapore
  5. #5Congo flagCongo
  6. #6Botswana flagBotswana
  7. #7Pakistan flagPakistan
  8. #8Iran flagIran
  9. #9Jordan flagJordan
  10. #10Malaysia flagMalaysia

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #130Uganda flagUganda
  2. #129Norway flagNorway
  3. #128Netherlands flagNetherlands
  4. #127Sweden flagSweden
  5. #126Germany flagGermany
  6. #125Denmark flagDenmark
  7. #124Mozambique flagMozambique
  8. #123Ethiopia flagEthiopia
  9. #122France flagFrance
  10. #121United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Insights by country

1

Denmark

In 2006, Denmark ranked #125 worldwide for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1455.7 hours. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a trend towards work-life balance in Scandinavian countries. Factors contributing to this statistic include Denmark's strong labor market policies, which prioritize employee well-being and encourage shorter workweeks.

2

Kuwait

Kuwait ranked #18 globally for Average Annual Working Hours in 2006, with a total of 2392.67 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's labor-intensive economy. The high working hours are driven by Kuwait's significant reliance on the oil sector, which demands a substantial workforce to maintain production levels and support economic growth.

3

Bolivia

In 2006, Bolivia ranked #38 globally with an average annual working hours of 2170.07 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong work ethic among Bolivian workers. Contributing factors include Bolivia's developing economy, where many individuals engage in labor-intensive industries such as agriculture and mining, often leading to longer working hours.

4

South Korea

In 2006, South Korea ranked #22 globally with an average annual working hours of 2343.5 hours. This figure is notably higher than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a strong work ethic prevalent in South Korean culture. Factors contributing to this high number include a competitive job market and a corporate culture that often emphasizes long hours as a sign of dedication and productivity.

5

Germany

In 2006, Germany ranked #126 worldwide with an average annual working hours of 1452.42 hours. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a trend towards improved work-life balance in many European countries. Key factors contributing to this lower number include robust labor policies, a strong emphasis on employee rights, and a well-established system of vocational training that enhances productivity without necessitating longer hours.

6

Lebanon

In 2006, Lebanon ranked #13 globally with an average annual working hours of 2446.32 hours. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a strong work ethic prevalent in the region. Key drivers of this high number include Lebanon's challenging economic conditions, which compel individuals to work longer hours to sustain their livelihoods, as well as a lack of robust labor regulations that typically limit working hours in other countries.

7

China

In 2006, China ranked #11 globally with an average annual working hours of 2459.6 hours. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting China's robust economic growth and the demands of its manufacturing sector. The high working hours are driven by a combination of a competitive labor market and policies that encourage long hours to sustain rapid industrialization and economic expansion.

8

Brazil

In 2006, Brazil ranked #56 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 2070.85 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's strong work culture and economic demands. Contributing factors include Brazil's diverse economy, which relies heavily on agriculture and manufacturing, as well as a labor market characterized by significant informal employment.

9

Argentina

In 2006, Argentina ranked #94 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1775.92 hours. This figure is notably higher than the bottom-ranked country, which often reports significantly fewer hours due to various factors including economic instability. The relatively high working hours in Argentina can be attributed to its diverse economy and the necessity for many individuals to engage in multiple jobs to maintain a stable income amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

10

Angola

In 2006, Angola ranked #51 globally with an average annual working hours of 2093.11 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a labor-intensive economy primarily driven by the oil sector.

The high working hours can be attributed to Angola's post-civil war recovery efforts, which necessitate a significant workforce commitment to rebuild infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, a young and rapidly growing population contributes to a labor market that emphasizes extensive working hours.

Analysis & Context

In 2006, the country with the highest Average Annual Working Hours was the United Arab Emirates at 2613.4 hours, while the global range spanned from 1344.10 to 2613.40 hours. The global average was 1991.24 hours, providing a benchmark for assessing work-life balance and productivity across nations.

High Working Hours: Economic and Cultural Drivers

The countries with the highest Average Annual Working Hours in 2006, such as the United Arab Emirates (2613.4 hours), Sudan (2611.95 hours), and Myanmar (2572.6 hours), often reflect unique economic and cultural contexts. In the UAE, rapid economic development driven by the oil and construction sectors may necessitate longer working hours. Similarly, Sudan and Myanmar, both characterized by less industrialized economies, might see prolonged working hours as a compensatory mechanism for lower productivity levels. Such patterns suggest that extended working hours can correlate with economic strategies to boost output in developing regions.

Low Working Hours: Policy and Economic Maturity

At the other end of the spectrum, countries like Uganda (1344.1 hours), Norway (1426.13 hours), and Netherlands (1440.5 hours) exhibit significantly lower working hours. This can be attributed to robust labor policies and advanced economic conditions that prioritize work-life balance. For instance, Norway and Netherlands have strong welfare systems and labor regulations that limit excessive working hours, reflecting a societal focus on quality of life over sheer economic output. These policies not only enhance productivity but also contribute to higher living standards.

Trends in Year-over-Year Changes

Examining year-over-year changes, Iran experienced the most significant increase in working hours, rising by 42.34 hours (1.7%). This increase may reflect economic expansion efforts, requiring more labor input. Conversely, South Africa saw the largest decrease, with a reduction of 83.68 hours (-3.5%), potentially indicating shifts towards more efficient work practices or economic slowdowns.

  • Iran: +42.34 hours (1.7%)
  • Paraguay: +37.51 hours (1.7%)
  • Colombia: +28.47 hours (1.2%)
  • South Africa: -83.68 hours (-3.5%)
  • Romania: -40.91 hours (-2.2%)

Implications for Productivity and Work-Life Balance

The disparity in Average Annual Working Hours among countries highlights the complex relationship between labor input, productivity, and quality of life. In high-hour countries, the pressure to increase economic output can lead to longer working hours, often at the expense of work-life balance. Conversely, nations with lower working hours may benefit from policies that improve quality of life without sacrificing productivity, suggesting that efficient work practices and strong labor laws can create more sustainable economic environments.

Overall, the 2006 data on Average Annual Working Hours underscores the varied approaches to work across the globe, influenced by economic necessity, cultural norms, and policy frameworks. These differences offer valuable insights into how countries can balance economic growth with the well-being of their workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Annual Working Hours in 2006

Which country had the highest average annual working hours in 2006?

The United Arab Emirates had the highest average annual working hours in 2006, with 2,613 hours.

Which country had the lowest average annual working hours in 2006?

Uganda had the lowest average annual working hours in 2006, with 1,344 hours.

What was the average annual working hours per worker across all countries in 2006?

The average annual working hours per worker across all countries in 2006 was 1,991 hours.

What was the median value of average annual working hours in 2006?

The median value of average annual working hours in 2006 was 2,006 hours.

How many countries were included in the dataset for average annual working hours in 2006?

There were 130 countries included in the dataset for average annual working hours in 2006.

What is the range of average annual working hours in 2006?

The range of average annual working hours in 2006 spans from 1,344 hours in Uganda to 2,613 hours in the United Arab Emirates.

Data Source

Annual working hours per worker | Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table and others via Our World in Data

Data produced by Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table; Huberman and Minns, compiled and published by Our World in Data as "Annual working hours per worker".

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Average Annual Working Hours data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.