Female Labor Force Participation Rate 2012
Female labor force participation rate measures the active engagement of women in the workforce, indicating economic inclusivity.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Korea | 85.981 % | |
2 | Madagascar | 85.136 % | |
3 | Solomon Islands | 84.223 % | |
4 | Tanzania | 83.545 % | |
5 | Iceland | 82.531 % | |
6 | Cambodia | 81.375 % | |
7 | Mozambique | 81.371 % | |
8 | Burundi | 81.056 % | |
9 | Bahamas | 77.931 % | |
10 | Sweden | 77.906 % | |
11 | Nigeria | 77.45 % | |
12 | Norway | 77.427 % | |
13 | Vietnam | 77.081 % | |
14 | Netherlands | 77.003 % | |
15 | Switzerland | 76.699 % | |
16 | Eritrea | 76.6 % | |
17 | Ethiopia | 76.472 % | |
18 | Burkina Faso | 76.201 % | |
19 | Angola | 75.701 % | |
20 | Peru | 74.649 % | |
21 | Canada | 74.473 % | |
22 | Denmark | 74.325 % | |
23 | Barbados | 73.87 % | |
24 | South Sudan | 73.693 % | |
25 | Kazakhstan | 73.355 % | |
26 | Liberia | 73.299 % | |
27 | Finland | 73.219 % | |
28 | Belarus | 72.678 % | |
29 | New Zealand | 72.362 % | |
30 | Latvia | 71.936 % | |
31 | Germany | 71.793 % | |
32 | Kenya | 71.639 % | |
33 | Estonia | 71.521 % | |
34 | Benin | 71.435 % | |
35 | Thailand | 71.432 % | |
36 | Saint Lucia | 71.104 % | |
37 | China, Macao SAR | 71.038 % | |
38 | Australia | 70.393 % | |
39 | Austria | 70.146 % | |
40 | Lithuania | 70.09 % | |
41 | United Kingdom | 69.997 % | |
42 | China | 69.922 % | |
43 | Portugal | 69.684 % | |
44 | Cameroon | 69.534 % | |
45 | Ghana | 68.931 % | |
46 | Uruguay | 68.904 % | |
47 | Israel | 68.366 % | |
48 | Russia | 68.286 % | |
49 | Spain | 68.236 % | |
50 | Niger | 67.91 % | |
51 | Malawi | 67.858 % | |
52 | Congo | 67.856 % | |
53 | United States Virgin Islands | 67.143 % | |
54 | Republic of Moldova | 67 % | |
55 | Slovenia | 66.984 % | |
56 | Uganda | 66.675 % | |
57 | Cyprus | 66.639 % | |
58 | France | 66.533 % | |
59 | United States | 66.349 % | |
60 | Central African Republic | 66.31 % | |
61 | New Caledonia | 66.256 % | |
62 | Bhutan | 65.766 % | |
63 | Georgia | 65.126 % | |
64 | Ireland | 64.522 % | |
65 | Azerbaijan | 64.32 % | |
66 | Cรดte d'Ivoire | 63.809 % | |
67 | Singapore | 63.79 % | |
68 | Japan | 63.689 % | |
69 | Czech Republic | 63.5 % | |
70 | Ukraine | 63.499 % | |
71 | Bulgaria | 63.454 % | |
72 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 63.31 % | |
73 | Haiti | 62.726 % | |
74 | Luxembourg | 62.714 % | |
75 | Paraguay | 62.568 % | |
76 | Armenia | 62.31 % | |
77 | Mali | 62.063 % | |
78 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 61.924 % | |
79 | Timor-Leste | 61.791 % | |
80 | Slovakia | 61.768 % | |
81 | Hungary | 61.737 % | |
82 | Zimbabwe | 61.585 % | |
83 | Guam | 61.55 % | |
84 | Belgium | 61.337 % | |
85 | Poland | 60.704 % | |
86 | Sierra Leone | 60.201 % | |
87 | Brunei Darussalam | 60.194 % | |
88 | Colombia | 60.098 % | |
89 | Lesotho | 59.999 % | |
90 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 59.83 % | |
91 | Laos | 59.549 % | |
92 | Bolivia | 58.918 % | |
93 | Trinidad and Tobago | 58.035 % | |
94 | Croatia | 58.016 % | |
95 | Brazil | 58.015 % | |
96 | Greece | 57.731 % | |
97 | Vanuatu | 57.669 % | |
98 | Botswana | 56.96 % | |
99 | Jamaica | 56.855 % | |
100 | Mongolia | 56.753 % | |
101 | Togo | 56.545 % | |
102 | Rwanda | 56.183 % | |
103 | Costa Rica | 56.169 % | |
104 | Albania | 55.949 % | |
105 | Argentina | 55.903 % | |
106 | Chile | 55.602 % | |
107 | Guinea-Bissau | 55.501 % | |
108 | Cabo Verde | 55.34 % | |
109 | South Korea | 55.307 % | |
110 | Myanmar | 55.152 % | |
111 | Namibia | 54.753 % | |
112 | Equatorial Guinea | 54.651 % | |
113 | Indonesia | 54.067 % | |
114 | Qatar | 53.839 % | |
115 | French Polynesia | 53.658 % | |
116 | Kyrgyzstan | 53.425 % | |
117 | Italy | 53.373 % | |
118 | Serbia | 53.234 % | |
119 | Venezuela | 53.202 % | |
120 | Panama | 52.844 % | |
121 | Guinea | 52.693 % | |
122 | Chad | 52.689 % | |
123 | Montenegro | 52.308 % | |
124 | Zambia | 51.494 % | |
125 | Cuba | 51.185 % | |
126 | Ecuador | 50.704 % | |
127 | North Macedonia | 50.544 % | |
128 | Kuwait | 50.276 % | |
129 | Malaysia | 49.97 % | |
130 | Philippines | 49.854 % | |
131 | El Salvador | 49.759 % | |
132 | South Africa | 49.465 % | |
133 | Papua New Guinea | 49.412 % | |
134 | Malta | 48.904 % | |
135 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 48.542 % | |
136 | Nicaragua | 48.521 % | |
137 | Romania | 48.507 % | |
138 | Eswatini | 48.211 % | |
139 | Dominican Republic | 48.119 % | |
140 | Belize | 47.939 % | |
141 | Mauritius | 47.847 % | |
142 | Mexico | 47.454 % | |
143 | Guatemala | 47.128 % | |
144 | Suriname | 46.246 % | |
145 | Fiji | 46.189 % | |
146 | Tonga | 45.997 % | |
147 | United Arab Emirates | 45.944 % | |
148 | Gambia | 45.809 % | |
149 | Samoa | 44.501 % | |
150 | Bahrain | 44.389 % | |
151 | Turkmenistan | 43.086 % | |
152 | Guyana | 43.052 % | |
153 | Gabon | 42.341 % | |
154 | Uzbekistan | 42.296 % | |
155 | Puerto Rico | 40.632 % | |
156 | Honduras | 39.436 % | |
157 | Maldives | 38.689 % | |
158 | Libya | 36.296 % | |
159 | Bangladesh | 35.966 % | |
160 | Sri Lanka | 35.706 % | |
161 | Senegal | 35.127 % | |
162 | Comoros | 33.881 % | |
163 | Turkey | 32.215 % | |
164 | Oman | 28.943 % | |
165 | Mauritania | 28.297 % | |
166 | India | 28.177 % | |
167 | Tunisia | 28.049 % | |
168 | Tajikistan | 27.775 % | |
169 | Sudan | 27.714 % | |
170 | Nepal | 27.35 % | |
171 | Lebanon | 26.368 % | |
172 | Morocco | 25.728 % | |
173 | Egypt | 24.007 % | |
174 | Pakistan | 23.468 % | |
175 | Sao Tome and Principe | 22.56 % | |
176 | Somalia | 21.578 % | |
177 | Saudi Arabia | 20.567 % | |
178 | Djibouti | 18.043 % | |
179 | State of Palestine | 16.877 % | |
180 | Afghanistan | 16.732 % | |
181 | Algeria | 15.939 % | |
182 | Iran | 15.907 % | |
183 | Jordan | 14.713 % | |
184 | Syrian Arab Republic | 14.237 % | |
185 | Iraq | 12.493 % | |
186 | Yemen | 8.093 % |
- #1
North Korea
- #2
Madagascar
- #3
Solomon Islands
- #4
Tanzania
- #5
Iceland
- #6
Cambodia
- #7
Mozambique
- #8
Burundi
- #9
Bahamas
- #10
Sweden
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #186
Yemen
- #185
Iraq
- #184
Syrian Arab Republic
- #183
Jordan
- #182
Iran
- #181
Algeria
- #180
Afghanistan
- #179
State of Palestine
- #178
Djibouti
- #177
Saudi Arabia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2012, the country leading the world in Female Labor Force Participation Rate was North Korea with a remarkable rate of 85.98%, while the global range spanned from a low of 8.09% in Yemen to this high. The global average for this critical economic indicator stood at 55.87%, providing a benchmark for assessing economic inclusivity worldwide.
Economic Structures and High Participation Rates
Countries with the highest female labor force participation rates often share common economic structures that encourage women's involvement in the workforce. In North Korea, the state-driven economy mandates female participation as part of its labor policy, resulting in the world's highest participation rate of 85.98%. Similarly, in Madagascar and Solomon Islands, where participation rates are 85.14% and 84.22% respectively, the agricultural sector plays a significant role. The necessity for family labor in agriculture drives high female involvement. Furthermore, countries like Iceland and Sweden, with rates of 82.53% and 77.91% respectively, benefit from progressive gender policies and strong social welfare systems that support female workforce engagement.
Barriers in Low Participation Countries
At the other end of the spectrum, countries with the lowest participation rates often face significant socio-cultural and political barriers. Yemen and Iraq, with rates of 8.09% and 12.49%, experience restrictive cultural norms and political instability, which limit women's economic roles. In Saudi Arabia, despite recent reforms, the 2012 rate was only 20.57%, reflecting longstanding gender norms and legal restrictions that have historically restricted women's economic participation. The low rates in these regions highlight the impact of societal norms and legal frameworks on female economic engagement.
Year-over-Year Trends and Economic Shifts
The year-over-year changes in female labor force participation rates offer insights into dynamic economic shifts. Costa Rica experienced the most significant increase with a 10.5% rise, reaching a new level of participation. This increase can be attributed to improved educational opportunities and economic diversification. Guatemala and Paraguay also saw substantial increases of 12.7% and 9.2%, respectively, reflecting efforts to integrate women into growing sectors such as manufacturing and services.
Conversely, Uganda saw a dramatic decline of 15.4%, indicating potential economic disruptions or policy changes that may have affected women's participation. Similar declines in Albania and Cambodia, with decreases of 7.3% and 4.0%, suggest possible economic contractions or shifts in industrial focus that disproportionately impacted female workers.
Policy Implications and Economic Inclusivity
The data from 2012 underscores the importance of policies that promote gender equality in the workforce. Countries like Sweden and Iceland demonstrate how comprehensive social policies can support high levels of female participation. In contrast, the low rates in countries such as Yemen and Iraq highlight the need for policy reforms to dismantle barriers to female employment. The average global participation rate of 55.87% serves as a call to action for policymakers to create environments that facilitate women's economic inclusion, recognizing that an empowered female workforce is crucial for sustainable economic growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Female Labor Force Participation Rate in 2012
Which country had the highest female labor force participation rate in 2012?
North Korea had the highest female labor force participation rate in 2012, with 85.98%.
Which country had the lowest female labor force participation rate in 2012?
Yemen had the lowest female labor force participation rate in 2012, with 8.09%.
What was the average female labor force participation rate across all countries in 2012?
The average female labor force participation rate across all countries in 2012 was 55.87%.
What was the median female labor force participation rate in 2012?
The median female labor force participation rate in 2012 was 58.03%.
Which countries were in the top 10 for female labor force participation rate in 2012?
The top 10 countries for female labor force participation rate in 2012 were North Korea, Madagascar, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Iceland, Cambodia, Mozambique, Burundi, Bahamas, and Sweden.
How many countries were included in the dataset for female labor force participation rate in 2012?
The dataset for female labor force participation rate in 2012 included 186 countries.
Insights by country
Solomon Islands
In 2012, the Solomon Islands achieved a remarkable rank of #3 globally for Female Labor Force Participation Rate, with a rate of 84.223%. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, highlighting the country's strong engagement of women in the workforce.
The high participation rate can be attributed to the traditional roles women play in subsistence agriculture and local economies, where their contributions are essential for household survival. Additionally, community-based initiatives have promoted women's involvement in various sectors, fostering economic resilience in these island communities.
China
In 2012, China ranked #42 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 69.922%. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's significant economic growth and urbanization trends. Key drivers include government policies promoting gender equality in the workforce and the increasing demand for labor in manufacturing and service sectors, which have encouraged female employment.
Angola
In 2012, Angola achieved a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 75.701%, ranking #19 out of 186 countries. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's unique socio-economic landscape. Key drivers include Angola's post-war reconstruction efforts, which have emphasized the inclusion of women in the workforce, particularly in agriculture and informal sectors.
Austria
In 2012, Austria ranked #39 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 70.146 %. This rate is above the European Union average, reflecting Austria's commitment to gender equality in the workforce. Key drivers include strong social policies supporting work-life balance, such as parental leave and child care options, which encourage women's participation in the labor market.
Burundi
In 2012, Burundi achieved a remarkable 8 global rank in Female Labor Force Participation Rate, with a value of 81.056 %. This rate significantly exceeds the global average, reflecting a strong engagement of women in the workforce compared to many countries. Key drivers include the country's agricultural economy, where women play a crucial role in subsistence farming, and cultural norms that support female labor participation.
Lithuania
In 2012, Lithuania ranked #40 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 70.09%. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's progressive labor policies and commitment to gender equality. Key drivers include Lithuania's focus on education and workforce integration for women, alongside supportive family policies that facilitate work-life balance.
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Democratic Republic of the ranked #72 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 63.31% in 2012. This rate is notably higher than the global average, which reflects ongoing efforts to integrate women into the workforce amid challenging economic conditions. Factors contributing to this participation include the necessity for dual-income households in a largely informal economy and social changes promoting women's roles in society.
Bhutan
In 2012, Bhutan achieved a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 65.766 %, ranking #62 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong presence of women in the workforce. Key drivers behind this participation include government policies promoting gender equality and the integration of women into various sectors, particularly in agriculture and tourism.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ranked #160 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 35.706% in 2012. This figure is significantly below the global average, indicating challenges in women's economic engagement compared to higher-ranking countries. Key drivers for this low participation include cultural norms that prioritize traditional gender roles and limited access to employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where women's workforce involvement is often restricted.
Comoros
In 2012, Comoros ranked #162 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 33.881 %. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating challenges in gender equality in the workforce.
Factors contributing to this low participation rate include limited economic opportunities, a high prevalence of informal employment, and cultural norms that often restrict women's roles in the labor market. Additionally, the country's geographic isolation and reliance on agriculture further limit women's access to diverse employment options.
Data Source
Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15-64) (modeled ILO estimate) | Data
The dataset is provided by the World Bank and offers modeled estimates of the female labor force participation rate as a percentage of the female population aged 15-64. It serves as a key indicator for understanding women's engagement in the labor market across different countries.
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