Labor Productivity Output 2005
Labor productivity output measures economic efficiency by calculating GDP per hour worked in each country.
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Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Norway | 121.697 USD | |
2 | Qatar | 97.688 USD | |
3 | United Arab Emirates | 86.649 USD | |
4 | Netherlands | 74.42 USD | |
5 | Kuwait | 73.793 USD | |
6 | Belgium | 71.186 USD | |
7 | Ireland | 70.064 USD | |
8 | Luxembourg | 69.579 USD | |
9 | Saudi Arabia | 68.946 USD | |
10 | Sweden | 67.861 USD | |
11 | Germany | 67.481 USD | |
12 | United States | 66.791 USD | |
13 | United Kingdom | 66.205 USD | |
14 | Denmark | 64.562 USD | |
15 | France | 63.989 USD | |
16 | Austria | 61.651 USD | |
17 | Finland | 60.607 USD | |
18 | Switzerland | 60.575 USD | |
19 | Australia | 59.973 USD | |
20 | Canada | 58.451 USD | |
21 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 57.907 USD | |
22 | Oman | 56.48 USD | |
23 | Iceland | 54.402 USD | |
24 | Italy | 53.438 USD | |
25 | Singapore | 49.957 USD | |
26 | Taiwan | 49.748 USD | |
27 | Japan | 49.436 USD | |
28 | Spain | 46.648 USD | |
29 | Bahrain | 42.482 USD | |
30 | Israel | 42.215 USD | |
31 | Cyprus | 40.416 USD | |
32 | New Zealand | 39.872 USD | |
33 | Trinidad and Tobago | 39.612 USD | |
34 | Slovenia | 39.611 USD | |
35 | Greece | 35.795 USD | |
36 | Malta | 35.445 USD | |
37 | Czech Republic | 35.116 USD | |
38 | South Korea | 33.514 USD | |
39 | Portugal | 33.073 USD | |
40 | Slovakia | 32.933 USD | |
41 | Hungary | 32.129 USD | |
42 | Gabon | 30.733 USD | |
43 | Croatia | 29.038 USD | |
44 | Poland | 27.993 USD | |
45 | Turkey | 27.701 USD | |
46 | Mexico | 27.39 USD | |
47 | Lithuania | 26.43 USD | |
48 | Estonia | 26.179 USD | |
49 | Algeria | 24.904 USD | |
50 | Latvia | 22.737 USD | |
51 | Iran | 22.434 USD | |
52 | Argentina | 21.956 USD | |
53 | South Africa | 21.256 USD | |
54 | Bulgaria | 21.047 USD | |
55 | Mauritius | 20.368 USD | |
56 | Malaysia | 20.317 USD | |
57 | Uruguay | 19.505 USD | |
58 | Chile | 19.481 USD | |
59 | Botswana | 18.833 USD | |
60 | Lebanon | 18.18 USD | |
61 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 17.928 USD | |
62 | Venezuela | 17.611 USD | |
63 | North Macedonia | 16.79 USD | |
64 | Namibia | 16.335 USD | |
65 | Russia | 16.024 USD | |
66 | Serbia | 16.001 USD | |
67 | Romania | 16 USD | |
68 | Belarus | 15.565 USD | |
69 | Iraq | 15.282 USD | |
70 | Georgia | 14.989 USD | |
71 | Costa Rica | 14.272 USD | |
72 | Tunisia | 14.176 USD | |
73 | Kazakhstan | 13.893 USD | |
74 | Dominican Republic | 13.452 USD | |
75 | Brazil | 12.276 USD | |
76 | Jordan | 11.859 USD | |
77 | Ecuador | 11.529 USD | |
78 | Egypt | 11.517 USD | |
79 | Syrian Arab Republic | 11.022 USD | |
80 | Turkmenistan | 10.89 USD | |
81 | Albania | 10.353 USD | |
82 | Colombia | 10.149 USD | |
83 | Jamaica | 10.07 USD | |
84 | Ukraine | 9.986 USD | |
85 | Paraguay | 9.919 USD | |
86 | Armenia | 9.141 USD | |
87 | Thailand | 9.098 USD | |
88 | Guatemala | 8.841 USD | |
89 | Peru | 7.945 USD | |
90 | Yemen | 7.884 USD | |
91 | Sri Lanka | 7.687 USD | |
92 | Morocco | 7.15 USD | |
93 | Republic of Moldova | 6.853 USD | |
94 | Azerbaijan | 6.82 USD | |
95 | Pakistan | 6.627 USD | |
96 | Philippines | 6.525 USD | |
97 | Nigeria | 6.185 USD | |
98 | Uzbekistan | 6.113 USD | |
99 | Congo | 5.822 USD | |
100 | Indonesia | 5.65 USD | |
101 | Ghana | 5.512 USD | |
102 | China | 5.268 USD | |
103 | Sudan | 5.203 USD | |
104 | Senegal | 5.061 USD | |
105 | Bolivia | 4.523 USD | |
106 | Angola | 4.52 USD | |
107 | Tajikistan | 4.459 USD | |
108 | Kyrgyzstan | 4.431 USD | |
109 | Cameroon | 4.118 USD | |
110 | Zambia | 3.89 USD | |
111 | Uganda | 3.616 USD | |
112 | Chad | 3.578 USD | |
113 | India | 3.356 USD | |
114 | Vietnam | 3.325 USD | |
115 | Côte d'Ivoire | 2.987 USD | |
116 | Kenya | 2.826 USD | |
117 | Mozambique | 2.548 USD | |
118 | Tanzania | 2.459 USD | |
119 | Mali | 2.436 USD | |
120 | Rwanda | 2.353 USD | |
121 | Bangladesh | 2.349 USD | |
122 | Malawi | 2.166 USD | |
123 | Burkina Faso | 2.136 USD | |
124 | Cambodia | 2.109 USD | |
125 | Madagascar | 1.878 USD | |
126 | Myanmar | 1.813 USD | |
127 | Ethiopia | 1.434 USD | |
128 | Niger | 1.371 USD | |
129 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 1.014 USD | |
130 | Zimbabwe | 0.766 USD |
- #1
Norway
- #2
Qatar
- #3
United Arab Emirates
- #4
Netherlands
- #5
Kuwait
- #6
Belgium
- #7
Ireland
- #8
Luxembourg
- #9
Saudi Arabia
- #10
Sweden
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #130
Zimbabwe
- #129
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #128
Niger
- #127
Ethiopia
- #126
Myanmar
- #125
Madagascar
- #124
Cambodia
- #123
Burkina Faso
- #122
Malawi
- #121
Bangladesh
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Senegal
In 2005, Senegal ranked #104 globally with a Labor Productivity Output of 5.0612564 USD. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating challenges in economic efficiency compared to more productive nations. Key drivers of this productivity level include a reliance on agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the workforce, and infrastructural limitations that hinder industrial growth.
Ecuador
In 2005, Ecuador ranked #77 globally with a Labor Productivity Output of 11.528501 USD. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in productivity compared to more developed economies. Key drivers of this statistic include Ecuador's reliance on agriculture, which often employs labor-intensive practices, and economic policies that have historically favored short-term gains over long-term productivity enhancements.
Kuwait
Kuwait achieved a remarkable rank of #5 globally in 2005 for Labor Productivity Output, with a value of 73.79275 USD per worker. This figure significantly surpasses the global average, reflecting Kuwait's robust economic structure in comparison to many other nations. Key drivers behind this high productivity include the country's substantial oil reserves, which contribute to a wealthier economy, and a relatively small workforce that allows for higher output per employee.
United States
In 2005, the United States achieved a global rank of #12 with a Labor Productivity Output of 66.79082 USD. This figure is notable as it reflects a higher output compared to many developed nations, highlighting the U.S. economy's strength in innovation and technology. Key drivers of this productivity include a highly skilled workforce, significant investment in research and development, and a robust infrastructure that supports efficient business operations.
Latvia
In 2005, Latvia achieved a global rank of #50 with a Labor Productivity Output of 22.736782 USD. This figure places Latvia below the European Union average, indicating room for improvement in productivity compared to its regional peers. Key drivers of Latvia's productivity levels include its transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, alongside significant investments in technology and infrastructure.
Iran
In 2005, Iran achieved a global rank of #51 in Labor Productivity Output with a value of 22.433914 USD. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in economic diversification and industrial efficiency compared to leading economies. Key drivers of Iran's labor productivity include a reliance on oil exports and the impact of international sanctions, which have hampered investment in technology and infrastructure.
Poland
In 2005, Poland achieved a labor productivity output of 27.993326 USD, ranking #44 out of 130 countries. This figure is notably lower than the European Union average, reflecting the ongoing transition of its economy post-communism. Key drivers of Poland's productivity include its significant investment in education and a growing manufacturing sector, which has been bolstered by foreign direct investment and EU funding.
Israel
In 2005, Israel achieved a labor productivity output of 42.21452 USD, ranking #30 out of 130 countries. This figure is notable when compared to many regional neighbors, reflecting Israel's advanced technology sector and skilled workforce. Key drivers of this productivity include significant investments in research and development, a robust startup ecosystem, and a strong emphasis on education, particularly in science and technology fields.
Kazakhstan
In 2005, Kazakhstan achieved a Labor Productivity Output of 13.893486 USD, ranking #73 out of 130 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating room for improvement in productivity levels compared to more developed economies. Key drivers of this productivity include Kazakhstan's vast natural resources, which have spurred economic growth, and ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing its industrial sector.
Dominican Republic
In 2005, the Dominican Republic achieved a Labor Productivity Output of 13.452188 USD, ranking #74 out of 130 countries. This output places the country below the regional average for Latin America and the Caribbean, where many economies are more industrialized. Key drivers of this productivity level include the nation's reliance on tourism and agriculture, sectors that often yield lower productivity compared to manufacturing-focused economies.
Analysis & Context
In 2005, Norway led the world in Labor Productivity Output with a staggering USD 121.70, while the global range spanned from USD 0.77 to this peak value. The global average for Labor Productivity Output in 2005 was USD 25.53, providing a benchmark for economic efficiency across countries.
Economic Powerhouses and Labor Efficiency
The highest Labor Productivity Output in 2005 was observed in countries with robust economies and significant natural resource endowments. Norway not only topped the list but also demonstrated a substantial year-over-year increase of 19.9%, reaching USD 121.70. The presence of vast oil reserves and a highly skilled workforce contributed to this exceptional productivity. Similarly, Qatar and United Arab Emirates followed at USD 97.69 and USD 86.65 respectively, benefiting from their oil-rich economies and strategic investments in infrastructure and technology.
Challenges in Low-Productivity Regions
At the other end of the spectrum, countries like Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported the lowest productivity levels, at USD 0.77 and USD 1.01 respectively. These figures reflect deep-seated economic challenges, including political instability, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and technology. In these regions, economic activities are often dominated by agriculture and informal sectors, which typically yield lower productivity outputs.
Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes
The year-over-year analysis reveals significant shifts in productivity among several countries. Norway experienced the largest increase in Labor Productivity Output, adding USD 20.17 to its previous year's figure, an indication of effective economic policies and favorable market conditions. Singapore also saw a remarkable rise of 31.4%, reflecting its strategic focus on high-tech industries and efficient labor markets.
Conversely, Greece faced a decline of 5.0%, dropping its productivity output due to economic stagnation and structural inefficiencies. This highlights the importance of continuous economic reforms and adaptation to global market dynamics to maintain productivity growth.
Impact of Policy and Economic Structures
The disparities in Labor Productivity Output across countries can often be traced back to differing economic policies and structures. Countries like Netherlands and Belgium, with outputs of USD 74.42 and USD 71.19 respectively, benefit from strong industrial bases and significant investments in innovation and workforce development. These nations have established environments conducive to high productivity through supportive government policies and efficient labor markets.
In contrast, countries with lower productivity levels often struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited access to capital, and educational deficits. For instance, Bangladesh, with a productivity output of USD 2.35, faces challenges in transitioning from a predominantly agrarian economy to a more diversified industrial base.
Overall, the 2005 data on Labor Productivity Output underscores the critical role of economic policy, resource management, and labor market efficiency in driving productivity. As countries strive to improve their outputs, understanding these underlying factors becomes essential for crafting effective strategies to enhance economic growth and competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Productivity Output in 2005
Which country had the highest labor productivity output in 2005?
Norway had the highest labor productivity output in 2005, with a GDP per hour worked of 122 USD.
What was the lowest labor productivity output recorded in 2005?
The lowest labor productivity output in 2005 was recorded in Zimbabwe, with a GDP per hour worked of 0.77 USD.
What was the average labor productivity output across countries in 2005?
The average labor productivity output across the 130 countries in 2005 was 25.53 USD.
What was the median labor productivity output in 2005?
The median labor productivity output in 2005 was 16.01 USD.
Which countries were in the top 10 for labor productivity output in 2005?
The top 10 countries for labor productivity output in 2005 were Norway, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Kuwait, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden.
What was the range of labor productivity output in 2005?
The range of labor productivity output in 2005 spanned from 0.77 USD in Zimbabwe to 122 USD in Norway.
Data Source
Productivity: output per hour worked | Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table via Our World in Data
Data produced by Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table, compiled and published by Our World in Data as "Productivity: output per hour worked".
Visit Data SourceCite this page
Geo Factbook. (n.d.). Labor Productivity Output by Country, 2005. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/labor-productivity-output/2005
The figures on this page come from Productivity: output per hour worked | Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table via Our World in Data. For academic work, cite the original source as well.
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