Rank
1	Sudan	2,640.71 hours
2	United Arab Emirates	2,609.92 hours
3	Qatar	2,600.02 hours
4	Myanmar	2,590.59 hours
5	Congo	2,527.38 hours
6	India	2,502.14 hours
7	Jordan	2,478.53 hours
8	Lebanon	2,464.05 hours
9	Colombia	2,460.84 hours
10	Botswana	2,454.75 hours
11	Singapore	2,439.86 hours
12	Pakistan	2,420.04 hours
13	Malaysia	2,419.85 hours
14	Egypt	2,408.25 hours
15	Kuwait	2,387.83 hours
16	Iran	2,373.71 hours
17	Costa Rica	2,354.24 hours
18	Tunisia	2,352.39 hours
19	Thailand	2,345.53 hours
20	China, Hong Kong SAR	2,340.03 hours
21	Bangladesh	2,338.73 hours
22	China	2,324.4 hours
23	Oman	2,321.74 hours
24	Cambodia	2,315.72 hours
25	Burkina Faso	2,307.6 hours
26	South Africa	2,249.31 hours
27	Syrian Arab Republic	2,245.54 hours
28	Algeria	2,233.13 hours
29	Vietnam	2,215.4 hours
30	Morocco	2,211.16 hours
31	Bolivia	2,210.75 hours
32	Mali	2,205.03 hours
33	Serbia	2,203.64 hours
34	Albania	2,191.19 hours
35	Paraguay	2,175.7 hours
36	South Korea	2,167.46 hours
37	Turkmenistan	2,157.02 hours
38	Sri Lanka	2,154.17 hours
39	Gabon	2,152.56 hours
40	Bosnia and Herzegovina	2,145.64 hours
41	Cameroon	2,138.76 hours
42	Bahrain	2,138.47 hours
43	Russia	2,138.27 hours
44	Namibia	2,135.03 hours
45	Dominican Republic	2,131.33 hours
46	Peru	2,123.4 hours
47	Philippines	2,108.65 hours
48	Angola	2,100.55 hours
49	Yemen	2,097.7 hours
50	Côte d'Ivoire	2,096.99 hours
51	North Macedonia	2,094.92 hours
52	Nigeria	2,080.56 hours
53	Ukraine	2,080.06 hours
54	Guatemala	2,076.41 hours
55	Chile	2,074 hours
56	Taiwan	2,065.82 hours
57	Uzbekistan	2,056.7 hours
58	Brazil	2,054.3 hours
59	Indonesia	2,044.74 hours
60	Tajikistan	2,037.1 hours
61	Niger	2,032.45 hours
62	Kenya	2,028.97 hours
63	Mauritius	2,008.4 hours
64	Malta	2,006.42 hours
65	Saudi Arabia	1,993.64 hours
66	Greece	1,989.25 hours
67	Republic of Moldova	1,950.31 hours
68	Jamaica	1,946.28 hours
69	Israel	1,943.17 hours
70	Zambia	1,930.38 hours
71	Croatia	1,927.96 hours
72	Armenia	1,927.94 hours
73	Kazakhstan	1,924.01 hours
74	Zimbabwe	1,895.73 hours
75	Iraq	1,890.27 hours
76	Turkey	1,881 hours
77	Senegal	1,873.44 hours
78	Belarus	1,871.17 hours
79	Georgia	1,862.72 hours
80	Venezuela	1,862.41 hours
81	Azerbaijan	1,860.44 hours
82	Cyprus	1,847.1 hours
83	Poland	1,833.61 hours
84	Romania	1,815.49 hours
85	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	1,801.35 hours
86	Slovakia	1,780.34 hours
87	Czech Republic	1,779.33 hours
88	Tanzania	1,775.3 hours
89	United States	1,764.89 hours
90	Hungary	1,758.65 hours
91	Japan	1,754 hours
92	Portugal	1,752.41 hours
93	Argentina	1,751.62 hours
94	Estonia	1,744.76 hours
95	Italy	1,742.56 hours
96	Canada	1,737.64 hours
97	Ecuador	1,734.47 hours
98	Ghana	1,725.75 hours
99	New Zealand	1,712.64 hours
100	Spain	1,711.16 hours
101	Latvia	1,707.34 hours
102	Slovenia	1,679.01 hours
103	Ireland	1,677.95 hours
104	Australia	1,672.41 hours
105	Lithuania	1,670.05 hours
106	Switzerland	1,650.78 hours
107	Bulgaria	1,646.28 hours
108	Madagascar	1,644.92 hours
109	Mexico	1,632.75 hours
110	Trinidad and Tobago	1,620.6 hours
111	Uruguay	1,603.92 hours
112	Finland	1,581.9 hours
113	Malawi	1,579.27 hours
114	Rwanda	1,579.18 hours
115	Chad	1,571.1 hours
116	Kyrgyzstan	1,567.35 hours
117	Belgium	1,564.16 hours
118	Austria	1,560.57 hours
119	Iceland	1,536.39 hours
120	France	1,520.03 hours
121	Luxembourg	1,518.06 hours
122	Ethiopia	1,517.98 hours
123	United Kingdom	1,517.31 hours
124	Mozambique	1,483.81 hours
125	Sweden	1,460.69 hours
126	Netherlands	1,430.6 hours
127	Norway	1,422.04 hours
128	Denmark	1,416.87 hours
129	Germany	1,406.77 hours
130	Uganda	1,347.91 hours

↑Top 10 Countries

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

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

Insights by country

Republic of Moldova

In 2009, the Republic of Moldova recorded an Average Annual Working Hours of 1950.31 hours, ranking #67 out of 130 countries. This figure is relatively high compared to many European nations, reflecting the country's labor-intensive economy. Key drivers include a significant agricultural sector and a workforce that often relies on extended hours to compensate for lower wages and economic challenges.

Sweden

In 2009, Sweden ranked #125 globally with an average annual working hours of 1460.69 hours. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting a trend towards work-life balance in Scandinavian countries. Sweden's labor policies, including generous parental leave and vacation time, contribute to reduced working hours while maintaining high productivity levels.

North Macedonia

In 2009, North Macedonia ranked #51 globally in Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 2094.92 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong work ethic among its workforce. Contributing factors include the country's transition from a socialist economy, which has led to increased labor demand, and a relatively young population that is more likely to engage in full-time employment.

Vietnam

In 2009, Vietnam ranked #29 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 2215.4 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's labor-intensive economy. Key drivers of this high working hour statistic include Vietnam's rapid industrialization and a workforce that is predominantly young and eager to engage in employment opportunities.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranked #15 globally for Average Annual Working Hours in 2009, with a total of 2387.83 hours. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a strong work culture common in the Gulf region. The high working hours are driven by Kuwait's robust oil sector, which demands extensive labor to maintain production levels, alongside a relatively small population that places a greater workload on the workforce.

Congo

Congo ranked #5 globally for Average Annual Working Hours in 2009, with a total of 2527.38 hours. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a workforce characterized by long hours, often due to economic necessity. Contributing factors include a largely informal economy and limited access to technology, which compel many workers to extend their hours to secure their livelihoods.

Lithuania

In 2009, Lithuania ranked #105 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1670.05 hours. This figure is notably lower than the average working hours in neighboring countries, which often exceed 1,700 hours. Contributing factors to Lithuania's working hours include its transition to a market economy, which has influenced labor practices and productivity levels, as well as demographic shifts that impact the workforce participation rate.

Saudi Arabia

In 2009, Saudi Arabia ranked #65 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, logging 1993.64 hours per year. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country’s labor-intensive sectors such as oil extraction and construction. The high working hours can be attributed to Saudi Arabia's economic reliance on these industries, coupled with a relatively young workforce that often engages in long hours to meet the demands of rapid economic development.

Mexico

In 2009, Mexico ranked #109 globally with an average annual working hours of 1632.75 hours. This figure is notably higher than the bottom-ranked country, which reflects a significant labor market engagement. Key drivers of this statistic include Mexico's diverse economy, which relies heavily on manufacturing and agriculture, and a demographic profile characterized by a large working-age population.

Mozambique

In 2009, Mozambique ranked #124 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1483.81 hours worked per year. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in the country's labor market compared to higher-ranking nations. Economic factors such as limited industrialization, alongside a significant informal sector, contribute to this relatively low working hour statistic in Mozambique.

Algeria

In 2009, Algeria ranked #28 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 2233.13 hours. This figure is higher than the global average, reflecting the country's labor-intensive sectors, particularly in oil and gas. A significant portion of Algeria's workforce is engaged in these industries, which often require extended working hours, influenced by economic policies that prioritize energy production and export.

Germany

In 2009, Germany ranked #129 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1406.77 hours. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting a trend towards shorter working hours in many developed economies. The country’s strong labor protections, emphasis on work-life balance, and robust social welfare systems contribute to this lower average, contrasting with countries that prioritize longer work hours for economic output.

Switzerland

In 2009, Switzerland ranked #106 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1650.78 hours. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's emphasis on work-life balance compared to many of its neighbors. Switzerland's high standard of living, strong labor laws, and focus on productivity rather than hours worked contribute to this relatively low working hour statistic.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates ranked #2 globally with an average annual working hours of 2609.92 hours in 2009. This figure significantly exceeds the global average, reflecting a strong work culture in the region. The high working hours can be attributed to the UAE's rapidly growing economy, driven by sectors such as construction and tourism, which demand a substantial labor force. Additionally, the country's strategic location as a trade hub further enhances its labor market dynamics.

Jordan

In 2009, Jordan ranked #7 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 2478.53 hours. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a strong work ethic among Jordanian employees. Contributing factors include the country's economic reliance on sectors such as services and manufacturing, which demand extensive labor input, as well as a relatively high unemployment rate that encourages longer working hours to secure jobs.

Turkey

In 2009, Turkey ranked #76 globally with an average annual working hours of 1881 hours. This figure is higher than the global average, reflecting a workforce that often engages in longer hours compared to many European nations. Factors contributing to this statistic include Turkey's developing economy, a significant agricultural sector requiring extensive labor, and cultural norms that emphasize hard work.

Greece

In 2009, Greece ranked #66 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1989.25 hours. This figure is higher than the European Union average, reflecting a work culture that often emphasizes long hours. Contributing factors include Greece's economic challenges during the financial crisis, which pressured workers to maintain high levels of productivity amidst uncertainty.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranked #107 globally in 2009 for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1646.28 hours. This figure is notably higher than the lowest-ranked country, which reflects a significant variance in labor practices worldwide. Contributing factors to Bulgaria's working hours include its transitional economy, which emphasizes labor participation, and a workforce that is adapting to post-communist market conditions.

Niger

Niger ranked #61 globally in 2009 with an average annual working hours of 2032.45 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a labor-intensive economy. Key drivers of this statistic include Niger's reliance on agriculture, which requires extensive manual labor, and a demographic profile with a significant proportion of the population engaged in informal sectors. Additionally, limited access to technology and mechanization contributes to longer working hours in the workforce.

Analysis & Context

In 2009, Sudan recorded the highest Average Annual Working Hours at 2640.71 hours, while Uganda reported the lowest at 1347.91 hours. This reflects a global range that highlights substantial differences in work patterns across countries. The global average for Average Annual Working Hours in 2009 was 1972.98 hours, providing a benchmark for understanding work-life balance worldwide.

Economic Influences on Working Hours

Economic structures significantly influence Average Annual Working Hours. In countries like Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, where working hours are among the highest, the economic reliance on sectors such as oil and agriculture demands extensive labor. Sudan leads with 2640.71 hours, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates at 2609.92 hours. These figures suggest that economic drivers, particularly in resource-rich nations, necessitate longer working hours to sustain productivity and growth.

Conversely, nations with advanced economies like Germany and Denmark report significantly lower working hours, at 1406.77 and 1416.87 hours, respectively. These countries benefit from high productivity levels and technological advancements, allowing them to maintain economic output with fewer working hours. This contrast underscores how economic development stages and industrial focus can shape work practices.

Work-Life Balance and Social Policies

The disparity in Average Annual Working Hours also reflects varying social policies and cultural attitudes towards work-life balance. Countries like Norway and the Netherlands, with annual hours of 1422.04 and 1430.6 respectively, are known for prioritizing work-life balance through policies that promote shorter workweeks and generous leave allowances. These policies not only enhance the quality of life but also contribute to higher productivity per hour worked.

In contrast, nations such as Myanmar and Congo, with hours totaling 2590.59 and 2527.38, often lack such policies, leading to extended working hours. This scenario highlights the impact of governmental and cultural support in shaping how work is structured and perceived.

Year-over-Year Trends and Significant Changes

The analysis of year-over-year changes in Average Annual Working Hours reveals notable shifts. The overall trend shows a decrease, with an average change of -16.34 hours, reflecting a -0.9% reduction. This decline may be attributed to increasing awareness of work-life balance and technological advancements that improve productivity.

Among the countries with significant increases, Egypt experienced the largest rise of +43.97 hours, a 1.9% increase, possibly due to economic reforms and industrial expansion. India and the United Arab Emirates also saw increases, at +21.12 and +16.68 hours respectively, indicating growing economic activity and labor demands.

Conversely, Armenia saw the largest decrease, with hours dropping by -259.52 hours, a -11.9% reduction. This decrease might be linked to economic challenges and shifts towards more efficient work practices. Estonia and Iran also reported significant reductions, highlighting a trend towards optimizing work time in response to economic pressures and efficiency drives.

Regional Disparities and Global Implications

Regional disparities in Average Annual Working Hours are evident, reflecting diverse socio-economic contexts and labor regulations. In Africa and the Middle East, countries like Sudan and Qatar exhibit longer working hours, driven by labor-intensive industries and less restrictive labor laws. Meanwhile, European nations such as Germany and Sweden report lower hours, benefiting from strong labor rights and an emphasis on work-life balance.

These patterns have global implications, influencing international labor markets and economic policies. Nations with higher working hours may face challenges related to worker health and productivity, while those with fewer hours can serve as models for balancing economic output with quality of life. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers aiming to foster sustainable economic development and improve workforce well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Annual Working Hours in 2009

Which country had the highest average annual working hours in 2009?

Sudan had the highest average annual working hours in 2009, with 2,641 hours.

Which country had the lowest average annual working hours in 2009?

Uganda had the lowest average annual working hours in 2009, with 1,348 hours.

What was the average annual working hours per worker across all countries in 2009?

The average annual working hours per worker across all countries in 2009 was 1,973 hours.

What was the median value of average annual working hours per worker in 2009?

The median value of average annual working hours per worker in 2009 was 1,991 hours.

How many countries are included in the dataset for average annual working hours in 2009?

The dataset includes 130 countries for average annual working hours in 2009.

What is the range of average annual working hours between the highest and lowest countries in 2009?

The range of average annual working hours between the highest and lowest countries in 2009 is 1,293 hours, from Sudan's 2,641 hours to Uganda's 1,348 hours.

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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