Labor Productivity Output 2019
Labor productivity output measures economic efficiency by calculating GDP per hour worked in each country.
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Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ireland | 141.344 USD | |
2 | Norway | 119.481 USD | |
3 | Switzerland | 93.043 USD | |
4 | Luxembourg | 89.146 USD | |
5 | Denmark | 85.801 USD | |
6 | Austria | 81.326 USD | |
7 | Germany | 81.119 USD | |
8 | France | 80.234 USD | |
9 | Sweden | 80.127 USD | |
10 | Netherlands | 80.069 USD | |
11 | Belgium | 79.803 USD | |
12 | Saudi Arabia | 78.564 USD | |
13 | United States | 77.742 USD | |
14 | Australia | 71.466 USD | |
15 | Finland | 69.871 USD | |
16 | Iceland | 69.404 USD | |
17 | Qatar | 68.416 USD | |
18 | United Kingdom | 66.177 USD | |
19 | Italy | 65.862 USD | |
20 | Spain | 62.681 USD | |
21 | Singapore | 62.332 USD | |
22 | Canada | 60.961 USD | |
23 | Bahrain | 55.197 USD | |
24 | Taiwan | 53.522 USD | |
25 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 50.836 USD | |
26 | Czech Republic | 49.792 USD | |
27 | Slovenia | 49.558 USD | |
28 | South Korea | 49.545 USD | |
29 | New Zealand | 49.537 USD | |
30 | Turkey | 49.212 USD | |
31 | Japan | 48.808 USD | |
32 | Cyprus | 48.436 USD | |
33 | Estonia | 47.559 USD | |
34 | United Arab Emirates | 47.477 USD | |
35 | Kuwait | 45.81 USD | |
36 | Poland | 45.805 USD | |
37 | Lithuania | 45.119 USD | |
38 | Trinidad and Tobago | 44.988 USD | |
39 | Malta | 42.672 USD | |
40 | Israel | 42.249 USD | |
41 | Portugal | 41.923 USD | |
42 | Hungary | 40.447 USD | |
43 | Latvia | 40.054 USD | |
44 | Romania | 39.572 USD | |
45 | Croatia | 38.796 USD | |
46 | Uruguay | 38.193 USD | |
47 | Georgia | 38.052 USD | |
48 | Slovakia | 36.973 USD | |
49 | Iraq | 36.416 USD | |
50 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 35.828 USD | |
51 | Greece | 35.219 USD | |
52 | Kazakhstan | 34.449 USD | |
53 | Russia | 33.838 USD | |
54 | Argentina | 33.712 USD | |
55 | Lebanon | 32.322 USD | |
56 | Chile | 31.906 USD | |
57 | Belarus | 30.701 USD | |
58 | Bulgaria | 30.632 USD | |
59 | Gabon | 29.801 USD | |
60 | Mexico | 28.919 USD | |
61 | Mauritius | 28.885 USD | |
62 | Oman | 27.405 USD | |
63 | Malaysia | 27.192 USD | |
64 | Costa Rica | 25.82 USD | |
65 | Egypt | 25.791 USD | |
66 | Armenia | 24.245 USD | |
67 | Serbia | 23.732 USD | |
68 | Algeria | 23.578 USD | |
69 | North Macedonia | 22.61 USD | |
70 | Republic of Moldova | 21.638 USD | |
71 | Iran | 21.216 USD | |
72 | Azerbaijan | 21.092 USD | |
73 | Dominican Republic | 20.977 USD | |
74 | South Africa | 20.568 USD | |
75 | Brazil | 19.152 USD | |
76 | Sri Lanka | 19.116 USD | |
77 | Jordan | 18.617 USD | |
78 | Ukraine | 18.406 USD | |
79 | Turkmenistan | 18.085 USD | |
80 | Tunisia | 18.073 USD | |
81 | Ecuador | 18.041 USD | |
82 | Thailand | 17.634 USD | |
83 | Paraguay | 17.024 USD | |
84 | Botswana | 16.99 USD | |
85 | Albania | 16.412 USD | |
86 | Colombia | 15.813 USD | |
87 | Namibia | 15.669 USD | |
88 | China | 14.175 USD | |
89 | Indonesia | 13.153 USD | |
90 | Morocco | 12.578 USD | |
91 | Syrian Arab Republic | 12.477 USD | |
92 | Peru | 12.457 USD | |
93 | Guatemala | 11.98 USD | |
94 | Philippines | 11.624 USD | |
95 | Jamaica | 11.116 USD | |
96 | Uzbekistan | 9.942 USD | |
97 | Vietnam | 9.734 USD | |
98 | Bolivia | 9.551 USD | |
99 | Sudan | 9.076 USD | |
100 | Kyrgyzstan | 8.824 USD | |
101 | Ghana | 8.806 USD | |
102 | Pakistan | 8.803 USD | |
103 | Nigeria | 8.12 USD | |
104 | Angola | 7.966 USD | |
105 | Tajikistan | 7.821 USD | |
106 | Congo | 7.593 USD | |
107 | Côte d'Ivoire | 7.54 USD | |
108 | India | 7.463 USD | |
109 | Kenya | 7.11 USD | |
110 | Myanmar | 6.592 USD | |
111 | Bangladesh | 6.475 USD | |
112 | Cameroon | 6.166 USD | |
113 | Zambia | 5.591 USD | |
114 | Cambodia | 5.002 USD | |
115 | Uganda | 4.885 USD | |
116 | Chad | 4.731 USD | |
117 | Zimbabwe | 4.494 USD | |
118 | Mali | 3.963 USD | |
119 | Senegal | 3.935 USD | |
120 | Yemen | 3.892 USD | |
121 | Rwanda | 3.86 USD | |
122 | Tanzania | 3.747 USD | |
123 | Ethiopia | 3.407 USD | |
124 | Malawi | 3.297 USD | |
125 | Mozambique | 2.859 USD | |
126 | Burkina Faso | 2.787 USD | |
127 | Niger | 1.851 USD | |
128 | Madagascar | 1.839 USD | |
129 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 1.806 USD |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #129
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #128
Madagascar
- #127
Niger
- #126
Burkina Faso
- #125
Mozambique
- #124
Malawi
- #123
Ethiopia
- #122
Tanzania
- #121
Rwanda
- #120
Yemen
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Insights by country
Turkmenistan
In 2019, Turkmenistan achieved a global rank of #79 with a Labor Productivity Output valued at 18.085407 USD. This figure is lower than the global average, indicating room for improvement in efficiency compared to leading economies. Key drivers of this productivity level include the country's heavy reliance on natural gas exports and a relatively small workforce, which can limit overall economic diversification and innovation.
Niger
Niger ranked #127 globally in Labor Productivity Output in 2019, with a value of 1.8506708 USD. This positions Niger near the bottom of the global scale, with only one other country performing worse. Contributing factors include a heavy reliance on subsistence agriculture, limited industrialization, and challenges related to education and infrastructure, which hinder economic productivity.
Tajikistan
In 2019, Tajikistan ranked #105 globally for Labor Productivity Output, with a value of 7.820909 USD. This places Tajikistan below many of its regional peers, reflecting challenges in economic diversification and industrial development. Key drivers of this low productivity include a heavy reliance on agriculture and remittances, which can limit investment in higher-value sectors.
Netherlands
In 2019, the Netherlands achieved a global rank of #10 with a Labor Productivity Output of 80.06904 USD. This figure places it above the European Union average, showcasing its competitive economy. Key drivers of this high productivity include a highly skilled workforce, advanced technological adoption, and strong infrastructure investments that facilitate efficient business operations.
Austria
In 2019, Austria achieved a global rank of #6 with a Labor Productivity Output of 81.325676 USD. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Austria's strong economic performance compared to many countries. Key drivers of this high productivity include a well-educated workforce, advanced technology adoption, and a robust industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing and services.
Mali
Mali's Labor Productivity Output in 2019 was 3.9627812 USD, ranking it #118 out of 129 countries. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating challenges in economic efficiency compared to more developed nations.
The low productivity can be attributed to factors such as limited access to modern technology, a predominantly agricultural economy, and ongoing political instability, which hinder investment and infrastructure development.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates achieved a global rank of #34 with a Labor Productivity Output of 47.47686 USD in 2019. This figure is notably higher than the regional average for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, reflecting the UAE's strong economic diversification efforts. Key drivers of this productivity include significant investments in technology and infrastructure, as well as a highly skilled expatriate workforce that supports various sectors, particularly in finance and tourism.
Zambia
Zambia ranked #113 globally in Labor Productivity Output with a value of 5.590863 USD in 2019. This figure is notably lower than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting the challenges faced by the Zambian economy. Key drivers behind this low productivity include a reliance on copper exports, limited industrial diversification, and infrastructural constraints that hinder efficient production processes.
Singapore
In 2019, Singapore achieved a Labor Productivity Output of 62.331562 USD, ranking #21 out of 129 countries. This figure positions Singapore above the global average, reflecting its robust economy and competitive workforce. Key drivers of this productivity include a strong emphasis on technology adoption, a highly skilled labor force, and efficient regulatory frameworks that foster innovation and business growth.
Trinidad and Tobago
In 2019, Trinidad and Tobago achieved a global rank of #38 with a Labor Productivity Output of 44.9884 USD. This productivity level is notably higher than the Caribbean regional average, reflecting the nation's relatively advanced industrial sector. Key drivers of this statistic include Trinidad and Tobago's rich natural resources, particularly in oil and gas, which significantly contribute to economic output and employment.
Analysis & Context
In 2019, Ireland led the world in Labor Productivity Output with a value of USD 141.34 per hour worked, while the global range spanned from USD 1.81 to USD 141.34. The global average for Labor Productivity Output in 2019 was USD 32.57, providing a benchmark for economic efficiency across different nations.
Economic Efficiency and High Labor Productivity
The top performers in Labor Productivity Output, including Ireland with USD 141.34, Norway with USD 119.48, and Switzerland with USD 93.04, highlight regions where economic efficiency is particularly pronounced. These countries often benefit from advanced technological infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and robust economic policies that promote productivity. For instance, Ireland's economic structure, characterized by a strong presence of multinational corporations and a favorable tax regime, contributes significantly to its high productivity levels.
In contrast, countries with lower productivity outputs, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo at USD 1.81 and Madagascar at USD 1.84, typically face challenges such as limited access to technology, lower educational attainment, and infrastructural deficits. These factors hinder their ability to enhance productivity and compete on a global scale.
Regional Disparities and Economic Structures
Regional disparities in Labor Productivity Output are evident when comparing European countries to those in Africa. Luxembourg at USD 89.15 and Denmark at USD 85.80 exemplify how European nations often have the economic infrastructure and policy frameworks that support high productivity. These countries benefit from stable political environments, high levels of investment in technology and education, and efficient labor markets.
Conversely, countries like Niger with a Labor Productivity Output of USD 1.85 and Burkina Faso at USD 2.79 illustrate the struggles faced by economies that are heavily reliant on agriculture and lack diversification. Such economies often have a significant portion of their labor force engaged in subsistence farming, which does not contribute significantly to GDP per hour worked.
Year-Over-Year Trends and Economic Policies
Analyzing year-over-year trends, Ireland experienced the most substantial increase in Labor Productivity Output with a rise of USD 14.76 (11.7%), largely driven by its dynamic tech sector and strategic investments in innovation. Iceland and Bahrain also saw notable increases, with USD 8.46 (13.9%) and USD 6.38 (13.1%) respectively, indicating successful economic policies aimed at enhancing productivity.
Conversely, Saudi Arabia experienced a decrease of USD 2.31 (-2.9%), potentially reflecting challenges in diversifying its oil-dependent economy. Similarly, Argentina and Mexico saw declines, with USD 1.90 (-5.3%) and USD 1.30 (-4.3%) respectively, possibly due to economic instability and policy inefficiencies that affected productivity growth.
Underlying Factors Influencing Productivity
Several underlying factors influence the variations in Labor Productivity Output across different countries. In high-performing economies like Germany (USD 81.12) and France (USD 80.23), there is often a strong emphasis on research and development, which drives innovation and efficiency. These countries also benefit from effective labor market policies that ensure a high level of employment and productivity.
In contrast, countries with lower outputs often face systemic issues such as political instability, inadequate educational systems, and poor infrastructure. For example, Yemen with a Labor Productivity Output of USD 3.89 is significantly impacted by ongoing conflict, which stifles economic activity and productivity improvements.
Overall, the 2019 Labor Productivity Output data underscores the importance of strategic economic policies, technological advancements, and stable governance in enhancing productivity levels across nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Productivity Output in 2019
Which country had the highest labor productivity output in 2019?
The country with the highest labor productivity output in 2019 was Ireland, with a GDP per hour worked of 141 USD.
What was the average labor productivity output across countries in 2019?
The average labor productivity output across countries in 2019 was 32.57 USD.
Which country had the lowest labor productivity output in 2019?
The country with the lowest labor productivity output in 2019 was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 1.81 USD per hour worked.
What was the median labor productivity output for countries in 2019?
The median labor productivity output for countries in 2019 was 25.79 USD.
What is the range of labor productivity output values in 2019?
In 2019, the range of labor productivity output values spanned from 1.81 USD in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to 141 USD in Ireland.
Which countries were in the top 3 for labor productivity output in 2019?
The top 3 countries for labor productivity output in 2019 were Ireland with 141 USD, Norway with 119 USD, and Switzerland with 93.04 USD.
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, 2019. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/labor-productivity-output/2019
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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