Female Labor Force Participation Rate 2022
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 | 86.572 % | |
2 |  Madagascar | 84.403 % | |
3 |  Solomon Islands | 84.198 % | |
4 |  Iceland | 84.045 % | |
5 |  Tanzania | 81.922 % | |
6 |  Burundi | 81.566 % | |
7 |  Cambodia | 81.478 % | |
8 |  Sweden | 81.145 % | |
9 |  Netherlands | 81.134 % | |
10 |  Bahamas | 80.781 % | |
11 |  Switzerland | 79.733 % | |
12 |  Estonia | 79.503 % | |
13 |  Finland | 78.93 % | |
14 |  New Zealand | 78.693 % | |
15 |  Denmark | 78.018 % | |
16 |  Nigeria | 77.973 % | |
17 |  Norway | 77.781 % | |
18 |  Mozambique | 77.774 % | |
19 |  Lithuania | 77.482 % | |
20 |  Australia | 76.909 % | |
21 |  Canada | 76.762 % | |
22 |  Uganda | 76.597 % | |
23 |  Eritrea | 76.105 % | |
24 |  Belarus | 76.072 % | |
25 |  Benin | 75.942 % | |
26 |  Vietnam | 75.749 % | |
27 |  Germany | 75.311 % | |
28 |  Angola | 75.068 % | |
29 |  Kazakhstan | 74.6 % | |
30 |  Japan | 74.515 % | |
31 |  Barbados | 74.474 % | |
32 |  Latvia | 74.436 % | |
33 |  Portugal | 73.882 % | |
34 |  Republic of Moldova | 73.822 % | |
35 |  Bolivia | 73.818 % | |
36 |  Niger | 73.78 % | |
37 |  Cyprus | 73.577 % | |
38 |  Austria | 73.535 % | |
39 |  United Kingdom | 73.498 % | |
40 |  Slovenia | 73.402 % | |
41 |  Liberia | 73.305 % | |
42 |  Hungary | 72.304 % | |
43 |  Slovakia | 72.247 % | |
44 |  South Sudan | 72.228 % | |
45 |  Malta | 71.819 % | |
46 |  Ireland | 71.698 % | |
47 |  Israel | 71.379 % | |
48 |  Peru | 71.146 % | |
49 |  Russia | 71.036 % | |
50 |  France | 70.609 % | |
51 |  Singapore | 70.453 % | |
52 |  Czech Republic | 70.111 % | |
53 |  Luxembourg | 70.035 % | |
54 |  Bulgaria | 70.032 % | |
55 |  China | 69.936 % | |
56 |  Saint Lucia | 69.872 % | |
57 |  Uruguay | 69.741 % | |
58 |  Spain | 69.524 % | |
59 |  Azerbaijan | 69.353 % | |
60 |  China, Macao SAR | 68.808 % | |
61 |  Thailand | 68.426 % | |
62 |  Poland | 68.076 % | |
63 |  United States | 67.745 % | |
64 |  Albania | 67.298 % | |
65 |  Burkina Faso | 67.014 % | |
66 |  Belgium | 66.753 % | |
67 |  Congo | 66.65 % | |
68 |  United States Virgin Islands | 66.393 % | |
69 |  Central African Republic | 66.144 % | |
70 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 65.938 % | |
71 |  Croatia | 65.891 % | |
72 |  Serbia | 65.81 % | |
73 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 65.514 % | |
74 |  Jamaica | 65.447 % | |
75 |  Guam | 65.241 % | |
76 |  Qatar | 65.179 % | |
77 |  Laos | 64.243 % | |
78 |  Kenya | 63.525 % | |
79 |  Paraguay | 62.766 % | |
80 |  Botswana | 62.716 % | |
81 |  Georgia | 62.196 % | |
82 |  South Korea | 62.058 % | |
83 |  Haiti | 61.9 % | |
84 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 61.86 % | |
85 |  Greece | 61.55 % | |
86 |  Montenegro | 61.514 % | |
87 |  Timor-Leste | 61.422 % | |
88 |  Brazil | 61.27 % | |
89 |  Guinea-Bissau | 61.141 % | |
90 |  Argentina | 61.047 % | |
91 |  Zimbabwe | 60.913 % | |
92 |  New Caledonia | 60.696 % | |
93 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 60.42 % | |
94 |  Armenia | 60.416 % | |
95 |  Ethiopia | 59.75 % | |
96 |  Malawi | 59.502 % | |
97 |  Mongolia | 58.68 % | |
98 |  Brunei Darussalam | 58.486 % | |
99 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 58.441 % | |
100 |  Chile | 58.269 % | |
101 |  Cameroon | 57.65 % | |
102 |  Costa Rica | 57.485 % | |
103 |  Ghana | 57.483 % | |
104 |  Ecuador | 57.455 % | |
105 |  Togo | 57.436 % | |
106 |  Panama | 57.308 % | |
107 |  Rwanda | 57.182 % | |
108 |  Romania | 56.909 % | |
109 |  Italy | 56.419 % | |
110 |  Colombia | 56.303 % | |
111 |  Malaysia | 56.106 % | |
112 |  Namibia | 56.058 % | |
113 |  Vanuatu | 55.425 % | |
114 |  Equatorial Guinea | 55.371 % | |
115 |  Cabo Verde | 55.272 % | |
116 |  Bhutan | 55.227 % | |
117 |  Dominican Republic | 54.992 % | |
118 |  Indonesia | 54.647 % | |
119 |  Mali | 54.543 % | |
120 |  French Polynesia | 54.471 % | |
121 |  United Arab Emirates | 54.43 % | |
122 |  Zambia | 54.393 % | |
123 |  North Macedonia | 54.175 % | |
124 |  Nicaragua | 53.179 % | |
125 |  Sierra Leone | 53.033 % | |
126 |  Philippines | 52.377 % | |
127 |  South Africa | 52.119 % | |
128 |  Cuba | 52.018 % | |
129 |  Kuwait | 51.881 % | |
130 |  Papua New Guinea | 51.352 % | |
131 |  Lesotho | 50.786 % | |
132 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 50.706 % | |
133 |  Mauritius | 50.156 % | |
134 |  El Salvador | 50.065 % | |
135 |  Mexico | 49.966 % | |
136 |  Eswatini | 49.92 % | |
137 |  Suriname | 49.358 % | |
138 |  Comoros | 48.806 % | |
139 |  Guyana | 48.746 % | |
140 |  Kyrgyzstan | 48.61 % | |
141 |  Puerto Rico | 48.299 % | |
142 |  Chad | 48.111 % | |
143 |  Bangladesh | 46.874 % | |
144 |  Gambia | 46.396 % | |
145 |  Belize | 45.938 % | |
146 |  Honduras | 45.618 % | |
147 |  Tonga | 45.253 % | |
148 |  Uzbekistan | 45.242 % | |
149 |  Myanmar | 45.084 % | |
150 |  Bahrain | 44.4 % | |
151 |  Guinea | 43.887 % | |
152 |  Gabon | 43.639 % | |
153 |  Guatemala | 42.132 % | |
154 |  Maldives | 42.12 % | |
155 |  Turkmenistan | 41.169 % | |
156 |  Fiji | 40.877 % | |
157 |  Turkey | 39.734 % | |
158 |  Venezuela | 39.085 % | |
159 |  Senegal | 38.575 % | |
160 |  Libya | 36.241 % | |
161 |  Sri Lanka | 35.722 % | |
162 |  Saudi Arabia | 35.413 % | |
163 |  Samoa | 33.776 % | |
164 |  Oman | 32.44 % | |
165 |  India | 31.427 % | |
166 |  Tunisia | 31.178 % | |
167 |  Nepal | 29.174 % | |
168 |  Mauritania | 26.97 % | |
169 |  Pakistan | 25.48 % | |
170 |  Lebanon | 25.431 % | |
171 |  Sao Tome and Principe | 22.998 % | |
172 |  Tajikistan | 22.492 % | |
173 |  Somalia | 21.438 % | |
174 |  Morocco | 21.208 % | |
175 |  State of Palestine | 20.129 % | |
176 |  Djibouti | 19.621 % | |
177 |  Egypt | 16.384 % | |
178 |  Algeria | 15.784 % | |
179 |  Jordan | 14.856 % | |
180 |  Iran | 14.852 % | |
181 |  Sudan | 14.594 % | |
182 |  Syrian Arab Republic | 13.951 % | |
183 |  Iraq | 11.792 % | |
184 |  Afghanistan | 5.371 % | |
185 |  Yemen | 4.989 % |
- #1North Korea
- #2Madagascar
- #3Solomon Islands
- #4Iceland
- #5Tanzania
- #6Burundi
- #7Cambodia
- #8Sweden
- #9Netherlands
- #10Bahamas
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #185Yemen
- #184Afghanistan
- #183Iraq
- #182Syrian Arab Republic
- #181Sudan
- #180Iran
- #179Jordan
- #178Algeria
- #177Egypt
- #176Djibouti
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The Female Labor Force Participation Rate in 2022 was highest in North Korea at 86.57%, while the global range spanned from 4.99% to 86.57%. The global average participation rate stood at 57.38%, reflecting varied levels of economic inclusivity across different regions.
Economic Structures and High Participation Rates
Countries with the highest Female Labor Force Participation Rates often feature unique economic structures that promote or necessitate female employment. North Korea tops the list at 86.57%, largely due to its state-controlled economy that mandates high labor force participation. Similarly, Iceland and Sweden, with rates of 84.05% and 81.15% respectively, are known for their strong social welfare systems and policies promoting gender equality in the workforce.
In developing countries like Madagascar and Burundi, where participation rates are 84.40% and 81.57%, economic necessity often drives women to work. These nations typically have subsistence economies where a large portion of the population engages in agriculture or informal sectors, requiring the active involvement of women.
Geopolitical and Cultural Influences on Low Participation Rates
Conversely, countries with the lowest participation rates often face geopolitical challenges or cultural norms that limit women's workforce engagement. For instance, Yemen and Afghanistan report rates of 4.99% and 5.37%, respectively. Ongoing conflicts and conservative cultural practices in these regions significantly restrict female employment opportunities.
In the Middle East, nations like Iraq and Iran also show low rates of 11.79% and 14.85%. These figures reflect a combination of socio-political instability and traditional gender roles that often discourage female participation in the labor market.
Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes
Examining year-over-year changes reveals significant shifts in some countries' participation rates. Montenegro experienced the largest increase, jumping by 8.73% (a 16.5% rise), indicating effective policy measures or economic changes that facilitated greater female employment. The Philippines and Albania also saw substantial increases of 6.23% and 5.65%, respectively, possibly due to improved labor laws or economic reforms targeting gender inclusivity.
On the downside, Bhutan and Afghanistan saw the most significant decreases, with rates dropping by 12.35% and 9.84%. In Bhutan, this decrease of 18.3% may be attributed to economic contractions or shifts in labor demand, while Afghanistan's drastic 64.7% fall reflects the tumultuous political situation severely impacting women's rights and access to work.
Policy Implications and Economic Inclusion
The disparities in the Female Labor Force Participation Rate highlight the critical role of policy and cultural context in shaping economic inclusivity. Countries like Iceland and Sweden demonstrate that supportive policies, such as parental leave and childcare support, can significantly enhance female labor participation. In contrast, nations with lower rates may need to address cultural barriers and invest in education and infrastructure to improve female employment.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers aiming to enhance economic inclusivity. By examining the successes and challenges of various countries, governments can tailor interventions to increase female participation in the workforce, ultimately contributing to broader economic growth and gender equality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Female Labor Force Participation Rate in 2022
Which country had the highest female labor force participation rate in 2022?
North Korea had the highest female labor force participation rate in 2022, with 86.57%.
Which country had the lowest female labor force participation rate in 2022?
Yemen had the lowest female labor force participation rate in 2022, with 4.99%.
What was the average female labor force participation rate across all countries in 2022?
The average female labor force participation rate across all countries in 2022 was 57.38%.
What was the median female labor force participation rate in 2022?
The median female labor force participation rate in 2022 was 60.42%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for female labor force participation rate in 2022?
The top 3 countries for female labor force participation rate in 2022 were North Korea (86.57%), Madagascar (84.4%), and Solomon Islands (84.2%).
How many countries were included in the dataset for female labor force participation rate in 2022?
The dataset for female labor force participation rate in 2022 included 185 countries.
Insights by country
Latvia
In 2022, Latvia achieved a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 74.436 %, ranking #32 out of 185 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Latvia's commitment to gender equality in the workplace. Key drivers include progressive labor policies and a strong emphasis on education for women, which has fostered a skilled female workforce actively participating in the economy.
Mozambique
Mozambique ranks #18 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 77.774% in 2022. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's unique socio-economic landscape. Factors contributing to this high participation include a strong agricultural sector that employs many women and ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in the workforce through various policies and initiatives.
Gambia
In 2022, Gambia's Female Labor Force Participation Rate was 46.396%, ranking #144 out of 185 countries. This rate is below the global average, indicating challenges in women's economic engagement compared to higher-ranking nations. Factors contributing to this statistic include limited access to education and training for women, as well as cultural norms that may restrict their participation in the workforce.
Malta
In 2022, Malta achieved a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 71.819 %, ranking #45 out of 185 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Malta's commitment to gender equality in the workforce. Key drivers of this statistic include progressive labor policies and a strong service sector that actively promotes female employment, particularly in tourism and healthcare.
Singapore
In 2022, Singapore's Female Labor Force Participation Rate was 70.453%, ranking #51 out of 185 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's progressive policies aimed at promoting gender equality in the workforce. Factors such as a strong emphasis on education for women and government initiatives to support work-life balance contribute to this robust participation rate.
New Caledonia
In 2022, New Caledonia ranked #92 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 60.696%. This rate is notably higher than some regional neighbors, reflecting a more engaged female workforce compared to countries with lower participation rates. Contributing factors include the territory's unique economic structure influenced by mining and tourism, as well as progressive policies aimed at promoting gender equality in the labor market.
Colombia
In 2022, Colombia's Female Labor Force Participation Rate was 56.303 %, ranking it #110 out of 185 countries. This rate is below the global average, indicating challenges in gender equality in the workforce compared to higher-ranked nations. Factors contributing to this statistic include socio-cultural norms that limit women's employment opportunities and economic conditions that affect job availability, particularly in rural areas.
Bahrain
Bahrain's Female Labor Force Participation Rate was 44.4 % in 2022, ranking #150 out of 185 countries. This rate is below the global average, reflecting challenges in integrating women into the workforce compared to regional neighbors like Saudi Arabia, which has made significant strides in recent years.
Key drivers of Bahrain's participation rate include cultural norms that influence women's employment opportunities and a labor market that is still adapting to greater female participation. Additionally, ongoing economic diversification efforts may create more job opportunities for women in the future.
Suriname
In 2022, Suriname ranked #137 globally with a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 49.358%. This rate is below the global average, indicating challenges in gender equality in the workforce compared to higher-ranking countries. Factors contributing to this statistic include economic reliance on sectors like mining, which often limit opportunities for women, and cultural norms that may discourage female employment.
Bolivia
In 2022, Bolivia achieved a Female Labor Force Participation Rate of 73.818 %, ranking #35 out of 185 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting significant engagement of women in the workforce compared to many other nations. Key drivers include Bolivia's progressive labor laws and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, alongside a growing economy that increasingly relies on female labor in various sectors.
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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