Rank
1	Sudan	2,658.04 hours
2	Congo	2,534.17 hours
3	United Arab Emirates	2,514.45 hours
4	Jordan	2,483.18 hours
5	Pakistan	2,471.08 hours
6	Colombia	2,470.61 hours
7	Qatar	2,435.01 hours
8	Lebanon	2,411.99 hours
9	Cambodia	2,388.86 hours
10	Bangladesh	2,383.18 hours
11	India	2,382.58 hours
12	Egypt	2,368.51 hours
13	Burkina Faso	2,356.19 hours
14	Senegal	2,335.23 hours
15	China	2,327.79 hours
16	Kuwait	2,317.94 hours
17	Zimbabwe	2,311.02 hours
18	Malaysia	2,307.51 hours
19	Tunisia	2,288.01 hours
20	Singapore	2,283.18 hours
21	Oman	2,266.32 hours
22	Botswana	2,258.06 hours
23	Iran	2,246.08 hours
24	Mali	2,242.52 hours
25	China, Hong Kong SAR	2,240.49 hours
26	Algeria	2,232.41 hours
27	Zambia	2,199.55 hours
28	Myanmar	2,197.01 hours
29	Namibia	2,184.01 hours
30	South Africa	2,181.43 hours
31	Cameroon	2,180.62 hours
32	Turkmenistan	2,178.62 hours
33	Thailand	2,177.17 hours
34	Costa Rica	2,176.92 hours
35	Gabon	2,174.15 hours
36	Morocco	2,173.69 hours
37	Vietnam	2,160.49 hours
38	Albania	2,151.97 hours
39	Guatemala	2,150.62 hours
40	Peru	2,142.96 hours
41	Tajikistan	2,134.26 hours
42	Tanzania	2,128.73 hours
43	Uganda	2,127.9 hours
44	Saudi Arabia	2,124.51 hours
45	Paraguay	2,122.59 hours
46	Bosnia and Herzegovina	2,121.9 hours
47	Angola	2,114.5 hours
48	Côte d'Ivoire	2,103.1 hours
49	Uzbekistan	2,098.62 hours
50	Philippines	2,095.96 hours
51	Russia	2,086.68 hours
52	Dominican Republic	2,072.15 hours
53	Niger	2,069.49 hours
54	Nigeria	2,061.69 hours
55	Sri Lanka	2,053.13 hours
56	Bahrain	2,052.43 hours
57	Ukraine	2,044.97 hours
58	Kenya	2,034.65 hours
59	Taiwan	2,031.58 hours
60	Serbia	1,995.18 hours
61	Brazil	1,993.72 hours
62	Mauritius	1,989.89 hours
63	Republic of Moldova	1,989.17 hours
64	Armenia	1,976.15 hours
65	Kazakhstan	1,974.69 hours
66	Croatia	1,974.04 hours
67	Bolivia	1,967.76 hours
68	Jamaica	1,962.72 hours
69	Indonesia	1,958.47 hours
70	Chile	1,949.71 hours
71	North Macedonia	1,948.89 hours
72	Georgia	1,931.53 hours
73	South Korea	1,910.23 hours
74	Greece	1,893.06 hours
75	Israel	1,890.21 hours
76	Belarus	1,874.84 hours
77	Malta	1,847.84 hours
78	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	1,840.97 hours
79	Cyprus	1,839.56 hours
80	Kyrgyzstan	1,830.13 hours
81	Romania	1,825.92 hours
82	Poland	1,806.92 hours
83	Madagascar	1,799.34 hours
84	Azerbaijan	1,790.75 hours
85	United States	1,788.88 hours
86	Czech Republic	1,774.15 hours
87	Turkey	1,747.46 hours
88	Portugal	1,734.94 hours
89	Canada	1,731.02 hours
90	New Zealand	1,707.52 hours
91	Italy	1,701.42 hours
92	Hungary	1,668.16 hours
93	Bulgaria	1,659.33 hours
94	Ghana	1,655.62 hours
95	Ireland	1,654.04 hours
96	Japan	1,653.9 hours
97	Lithuania	1,640.35 hours
98	Spain	1,637.99 hours
99	Mexico	1,628.87 hours
100	Latvia	1,625.24 hours
101	Slovakia	1,621.23 hours
102	Syrian Arab Republic	1,620.53 hours
103	Argentina	1,612.12 hours
104	Australia	1,611.13 hours
105	Trinidad and Tobago	1,609.81 hours
106	Estonia	1,605.74 hours
107	Ethiopia	1,599.42 hours
108	Malawi	1,595.66 hours
109	Ecuador	1,593.77 hours
110	Belgium	1,593.29 hours
111	Slovenia	1,587.57 hours
112	Chad	1,585.39 hours
113	Rwanda	1,584.32 hours
114	Iraq	1,583.22 hours
115	Switzerland	1,528.94 hours
116	United Kingdom	1,522.8 hours
117	Mozambique	1,506.83 hours
118	Finland	1,496.85 hours
119	France	1,487.1 hours
120	Uruguay	1,481.13 hours
121	Luxembourg	1,452.08 hours
122	Iceland	1,451.99 hours
123	Netherlands	1,438.74 hours
124	Austria	1,438.45 hours
125	Sweden	1,431.5 hours
126	Norway	1,412.06 hours
127	Yemen	1,382.1 hours
128	Denmark	1,379.94 hours
129	Germany	1,335.27 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

Congo

Congo ranks #2 globally in Average Annual Working Hours with 2534.17 hours in 2023. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a workforce that is notably engaged in labor-intensive sectors. Key drivers of this high number include the country's reliance on agriculture and mining, which often require long hours, as well as a young and growing population that seeks employment opportunities.

Georgia

In 2023, Georgia ranks #72 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1931.53 hours. This figure is relatively high compared to many European countries, reflecting a work culture that often prioritizes long hours. Factors contributing to this statistic include Georgia's developing economy, where many individuals engage in multiple jobs to meet financial needs, and a labor market that has yet to fully embrace work-life balance initiatives.

Armenia

In 2023, Armenia ranks #64 globally with an average annual working hours of 1976.15 hours. This figure is higher than the global average, indicating a workforce that is comparatively engaged in longer working hours. Contributing factors include Armenia's developing economy, where many sectors, such as agriculture and services, demand extensive labor to support growth and stability.

Guatemala

In 2023, Guatemala ranks #39 globally with an average annual working hours of 2150.62 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's labor-intensive economy. Key drivers of this statistic include a significant informal labor sector and a high demand for agricultural work, which often requires long hours. Additionally, Guatemala's economic structure and demographic trends contribute to the extended working hours observed in the workforce.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 2023, China, Hong Kong SAR ranks #25 globally with an average annual working hours of 2240.49 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the region's intense work culture compared to many Western countries. Key drivers include the competitive economic environment and a strong emphasis on productivity, which influences both corporate practices and labor policies in Hong Kong.

Japan

In 2023, Japan ranks #96 globally for Average Annual Working Hours, with a total of 1653.9 hours worked per year. This figure is notably higher than the bottom-ranked countries but reflects a trend of reduced working hours compared to previous decades.

Japan's working hours are influenced by a strong work culture and economic factors, including a tight labor market and the need for companies to maintain productivity amidst an aging population. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance have begun to take effect, contributing to the gradual decline in average working hours.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks #93 globally in 2023 for Average Annual Working Hours with a total of 1659.33 hours. This figure is notably higher than the average in the European Union, reflecting a labor market that is characterized by a mix of traditional industries and emerging sectors. Key drivers of this statistic include Bulgaria's economic reliance on sectors such as manufacturing and services, alongside demographic trends that influence workforce participation rates.

Gabon

In 2023, Gabon ranks #35 globally with an average annual working hours of 2174.15 hours. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong work ethic among its labor force. The high number of working hours can be attributed to Gabon's reliance on its oil sector, which demands significant labor input, as well as a young, growing population eager to participate in the workforce.

India

In 2023, India ranks #11 globally with an average annual working hours of 2382.58 hours. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a workforce that often engages in long hours compared to many developed nations. Key drivers for this high number include India's rapidly growing economy, a large informal sector, and a cultural emphasis on hard work and job security, which leads many to prioritize longer hours over work-life balance.

Albania

In 2023, Albania ranks #38 globally with an average annual working hours of 2151.97 hours. This figure is higher than many European countries, indicating a robust work culture in the region. The high number of working hours can be attributed to Albania's developing economy and the need for labor-intensive industries to boost growth and employment opportunities.

Analysis & Context

In 2023, Sudan leads the world in Average Annual Working Hours with a staggering 2658.04 hours, while Germany has the lowest at 1335.27 hours. Globally, the range spans more than 1300 hours, highlighting significant disparities in work-life balance and productivity. The median value across the 129 countries with available data is 1974.69 hours, providing a central point for comparison.

Economic Development and Working Hours

The disparity in Average Annual Working Hours can often be attributed to the level of economic development within a country. For instance, countries such as Sudan (2658.04 hours) and Congo (2534.17 hours), which have high working hours, are typically characterized by lower GDP per capita. In these regions, longer working hours may be a necessity rather than a choice, driven by the need for economic survival and the lack of automation and efficiency in work processes.

Conversely, developed nations like Germany (1335.27 hours) and Denmark (1379.94 hours) showcase significantly lower working hours. These countries benefit from advanced technologies and efficient work practices, allowing for higher productivity per hour. Additionally, strong labor regulations and cultural emphasis on work-life balance contribute to shorter work durations.

Work Culture and Regional Variations

Regional work culture plays a crucial role in determining the Average Annual Working Hours. In the Middle East, for example, countries like the United Arab Emirates (2514.45 hours) and Qatar (2435.01 hours) feature prominently among the top ten. This can be attributed to a combination of economic ambition and the cultural acceptance of longer work hours as a means to achieve rapid development.

In contrast, Scandinavian countries such as Sweden (1431.5 hours) and Norway (1412.06 hours) maintain some of the lowest working hours. This reflects a societal preference for leisure and family time, supported by policies that encourage flexible working conditions and prioritize employee well-being.

Year-over-Year Trends and Changes

The data reveals notable year-over-year changes in working hours, with Zimbabwe experiencing the largest increase of 138.98 hours (6.4%). This surge may be linked to economic pressures and efforts to boost productivity in a challenging economic environment. Other countries with significant increases include Guatemala (86.81 hours, 4.2%) and Argentina (83.56 hours, 5.5%), possibly reflecting economic recovery efforts post-pandemic.

Conversely, the United Arab Emirates saw the most substantial decrease, with a reduction of 107.06 hours (-4.1%). This decline could indicate a shift towards more sustainable working practices or a response to changes in labor laws aimed at improving work-life balance. Similarly, countries like Mauritius (-67.60 hours, -3.3%) and Serbia (-51.89 hours, -2.5%) also show a downward trend, suggesting an ongoing global shift towards more balanced work environments.

Implications for Productivity and Quality of Life

The differences in Average Annual Working Hours have profound implications for both productivity and quality of life. In countries with higher working hours like Pakistan (2471.08 hours) and Bangladesh (2383.18 hours), the emphasis might be more on quantity rather than quality of work, potentially leading to burnout and reduced overall productivity.

Conversely, countries with fewer working hours, such as Luxembourg (1452.08 hours) and Iceland (1451.99 hours), may enjoy higher productivity per hour worked, supported by policies that enhance job satisfaction and employee engagement. This balance is crucial for sustainable economic growth and the well-being of the workforce.

Understanding these patterns helps policymakers and businesses tailor strategies that optimize work hours for better productivity while ensuring a high quality of life for workers globally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Annual Working Hours in 2023

Which country has the highest average annual working hours in 2023?

Sudan has the highest average annual working hours in 2023, with 2,658 hours.

Which country has the lowest average annual working hours in 2023?

Germany has the lowest average annual working hours in 2023, with 1,335 hours.

What is the average annual working hours per worker across all countries in 2023?

The average annual working hours per worker across all countries in 2023 is 1,942 hours.

What is the median value of average annual working hours in 2023?

The median value of average annual working hours in 2023 is 1,975 hours.

How many countries are included in the dataset for average annual working hours in 2023?

The dataset includes 129 countries for average annual working hours in 2023.

Which countries are in the top 3 for average annual working hours in 2023?

The top 3 countries for average annual working hours in 2023 are Sudan with 2,658 hours, Congo with 2,534 hours, and the United Arab Emirates with 2,514 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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