Average Annual Working Hours 2006
Average annual working hours per worker indicates productivity and work-life balance in each country.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | United Arab Emirates | 2,613.4 hours | |
2 | Sudan | 2,611.95 hours | |
3 | Myanmar | 2,572.6 hours | |
4 | Singapore | 2,506.41 hours | |
5 | Congo | 2,505.78 hours | |
6 | Botswana | 2,484.91 hours | |
7 | Pakistan | 2,483.76 hours | |
8 | Iran | 2,473.18 hours | |
9 | Jordan | 2,472 hours | |
10 | Malaysia | 2,468.85 hours | |
11 | China | 2,459.6 hours | |
12 | India | 2,455.16 hours | |
13 | Lebanon | 2,446.32 hours | |
14 | Colombia | 2,444.57 hours | |
15 | Qatar | 2,429.08 hours | |
16 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 2,407.58 hours | |
17 | Thailand | 2,398.77 hours | |
18 | Kuwait | 2,392.67 hours | |
19 | Costa Rica | 2,365.61 hours | |
20 | Egypt | 2,356.56 hours | |
21 | Tunisia | 2,347.28 hours | |
22 | South Korea | 2,343.5 hours | |
23 | Albania | 2,333.12 hours | |
24 | Bangladesh | 2,329.56 hours | |
25 | South Africa | 2,315.75 hours | |
26 | Paraguay | 2,303.85 hours | |
27 | Cambodia | 2,296.59 hours | |
28 | Oman | 2,287.13 hours | |
29 | Burkina Faso | 2,285.1 hours | |
30 | Vietnam | 2,281.61 hours | |
31 | Algeria | 2,249.99 hours | |
32 | Mali | 2,211.17 hours | |
33 | Serbia | 2,209.82 hours | |
34 | Namibia | 2,188.95 hours | |
35 | Morocco | 2,186.88 hours | |
36 | Syrian Arab Republic | 2,185.85 hours | |
37 | Gabon | 2,183.08 hours | |
38 | Bolivia | 2,170.07 hours | |
39 | Sri Lanka | 2,168.69 hours | |
40 | Russia | 2,168.1 hours | |
41 | North Macedonia | 2,167.04 hours | |
42 | Chile | 2,165 hours | |
43 | Bahrain | 2,156.88 hours | |
44 | Turkmenistan | 2,144.03 hours | |
45 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2,138.37 hours | |
46 | Cameroon | 2,134.71 hours | |
47 | Dominican Republic | 2,123.36 hours | |
48 | Guatemala | 2,104.54 hours | |
49 | Philippines | 2,103.09 hours | |
50 | Peru | 2,100.76 hours | |
51 | Angola | 2,093.11 hours | |
52 | Côte d'Ivoire | 2,090.12 hours | |
53 | Taiwan | 2,084.66 hours | |
54 | Yemen | 2,081.51 hours | |
55 | Ukraine | 2,077.8 hours | |
56 | Brazil | 2,070.85 hours | |
57 | Nigeria | 2,063.03 hours | |
58 | Indonesia | 2,051.53 hours | |
59 | Uzbekistan | 2,043.51 hours | |
60 | Mauritius | 2,041.5 hours | |
61 | Greece | 2,036.77 hours | |
62 | Tajikistan | 2,034.29 hours | |
63 | Kenya | 2,026.59 hours | |
64 | Niger | 2,021.84 hours | |
65 | Republic of Moldova | 2,014.81 hours | |
66 | Saudi Arabia | 1,996.43 hours | |
67 | Armenia | 1,993.57 hours | |
68 | Malta | 1,980.9 hours | |
69 | Jamaica | 1,962.98 hours | |
70 | Iraq | 1,945.39 hours | |
71 | Turkey | 1,944 hours | |
72 | Israel | 1,930.76 hours | |
73 | Croatia | 1,927.67 hours | |
74 | Kazakhstan | 1,927.39 hours | |
75 | Zambia | 1,921.06 hours | |
76 | Zimbabwe | 1,909.48 hours | |
77 | Estonia | 1,905.56 hours | |
78 | Venezuela | 1,903.85 hours | |
79 | Belarus | 1,895.92 hours | |
80 | Senegal | 1,890.53 hours | |
81 | Azerbaijan | 1,889.94 hours | |
82 | Georgia | 1,865.73 hours | |
83 | Poland | 1,857.34 hours | |
84 | Romania | 1,836.08 hours | |
85 | Cyprus | 1,832.92 hours | |
86 | United States | 1,831.26 hours | |
87 | Latvia | 1,829 hours | |
88 | Japan | 1,827.1 hours | |
89 | Hungary | 1,814.36 hours | |
90 | Ireland | 1,790.13 hours | |
91 | Czech Republic | 1,789.1 hours | |
92 | Italy | 1,781.11 hours | |
93 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 1,776.3 hours | |
94 | Argentina | 1,775.92 hours | |
95 | Slovakia | 1,774.45 hours | |
96 | Canada | 1,774.12 hours | |
97 | Ecuador | 1,772.75 hours | |
98 | New Zealand | 1,766.32 hours | |
99 | Portugal | 1,748.29 hours | |
100 | Ghana | 1,737.41 hours | |
101 | Tanzania | 1,722.26 hours | |
102 | Spain | 1,707.05 hours | |
103 | Switzerland | 1,679.24 hours | |
104 | Australia | 1,676.85 hours | |
105 | Lithuania | 1,676.2 hours | |
106 | Slovenia | 1,667.41 hours | |
107 | Bulgaria | 1,654.1 hours | |
108 | Mexico | 1,653.09 hours | |
109 | Iceland | 1,645.37 hours | |
110 | Madagascar | 1,623.38 hours | |
111 | Uruguay | 1,622.8 hours | |
112 | Austria | 1,620.25 hours | |
113 | Trinidad and Tobago | 1,610.68 hours | |
114 | Finland | 1,610.21 hours | |
115 | Belgium | 1,591.64 hours | |
116 | Malawi | 1,582.35 hours | |
117 | Chad | 1,572.98 hours | |
118 | Luxembourg | 1,567.13 hours | |
119 | Rwanda | 1,567.03 hours | |
120 | Kyrgyzstan | 1,553.59 hours | |
121 | United Kingdom | 1,541.07 hours | |
122 | France | 1,503.36 hours | |
123 | Ethiopia | 1,487.81 hours | |
124 | Mozambique | 1,485.9 hours | |
125 | Denmark | 1,455.7 hours | |
126 | Germany | 1,452.42 hours | |
127 | Sweden | 1,450.34 hours | |
128 | Netherlands | 1,440.5 hours | |
129 | Norway | 1,426.13 hours | |
130 | Uganda | 1,344.1 hours |
- #1
United Arab Emirates
- #2
Sudan
- #3
Myanmar
- #4
Singapore
- #5
Congo
- #6
Botswana
- #7
Pakistan
- #8
Iran
- #9
Jordan
- #10
Malaysia
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #130
Uganda
- #129
Norway
- #128
Netherlands
- #127
Sweden
- #126
Germany
- #125
Denmark
- #124
Mozambique
- #123
Ethiopia
- #122
France
- #121
United Kingdom
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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