Labor Productivity Output 2021

Labor productivity output measures economic efficiency by calculating GDP per hour worked in each country.

129 data points••Global Coverage•Productivity: output per hour worked | Feenstra et al. – Penn World Table via Our World in Data•

Newer data is available: Labor Productivity Output by country 2023 →

Highest
Ireland
173.67 USD
Lowest
Madagascar
1.71 USD
Median country
26.45 USD
Countries with data
129

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Ireland flag
Ireland
173.668 USD
2
Norway flag
Norway
131.25 USD
3
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
99.483 USD
4
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
91.464 USD
5
Denmark flag
Denmark
90.233 USD
6
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
85.03 USD
7
Austria flag
Austria
84.391 USD
8
Belgium flag
Belgium
83.713 USD
9
Sweden flag
Sweden
83.161 USD
10
Germany flag
Germany
82.909 USD
11
United States flag
United States
82.303 USD
12
France flag
France
78.916 USD
13
Australia flag
Australia
76.782 USD
14
Finland flag
Finland
72.213 USD
15
Iceland flag
Iceland
71.415 USD
16
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
68.418 USD
17
Italy flag
Italy
68.108 USD
18
Qatar flag
Qatar
66.194 USD
19
Singapore flag
Singapore
65.178 USD
20
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
63.752 USD
21
Canada flag
Canada
63.507 USD
22
Spain flag
Spain
61.418 USD
23
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
59.005 USD
24
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
58.984 USD
25
South Korea flag
South Korea
53.581 USD
26
Estonia flag
Estonia
52.987 USD
27
Turkey flag
Turkey
52.484 USD
28
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
52.48 USD
29
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
51.393 USD
30
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
51.105 USD
31
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
51.1 USD
32
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
50.558 USD
33
Japan flag
Japan
48.555 USD
34
Malta flag
Malta
48.129 USD
35
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
47.712 USD
36
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
46.685 USD
37
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
46.016 USD
38
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
45.988 USD
39
Israel flag
Israel
45.797 USD
40
Poland flag
Poland
44.869 USD
41
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
44.6 USD
42
Romania flag
Romania
44.093 USD
43
Latvia flag
Latvia
43.453 USD
44
Georgia flag
Georgia
43.232 USD
45
Hungary flag
Hungary
41.586 USD
46
Portugal flag
Portugal
41.558 USD
47
Croatia flag
Croatia
39.504 USD
48
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
38.699 USD
49
Iraq flag
Iraq
38.306 USD
50
Russia flag
Russia
37.248 USD
51
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
36.544 USD
52
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
35.813 USD
53
Greece flag
Greece
35.341 USD
54
Gabon flag
Gabon
35.119 USD
55
Chile flag
Chile
34.832 USD
56
Argentina flag
Argentina
34.768 USD
57
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
34.628 USD
58
Belarus flag
Belarus
34.202 USD
59
Oman flag
Oman
33.931 USD
60
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
30.003 USD
61
Egypt flag
Egypt
29.506 USD
62
Mexico flag
Mexico
28.646 USD
63
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
28.221 USD
64
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
27.334 USD
65
Algeria flag
Algeria
26.447 USD
66
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
25.016 USD
67
Serbia flag
Serbia
24.474 USD
68
Armenia flag
Armenia
23.543 USD
69
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
23.391 USD
70
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
22.757 USD
71
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
22.665 USD
72
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
22.606 USD
73
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
21.65 USD
74
South Africa flag
South Africa
21.635 USD
75
Iran flag
Iran
21.415 USD
76
Brazil flag
Brazil
20.221 USD
77
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
20.185 USD
78
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
20.089 USD
79
Jordan flag
Jordan
18.672 USD
80
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
18.548 USD
81
Thailand flag
Thailand
18.212 USD
82
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
17.921 USD
83
Albania flag
Albania
17.643 USD
84
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
17.002 USD
85
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
16.997 USD
86
Botswana flag
Botswana
16.937 USD
87
Colombia flag
Colombia
16.697 USD
88
China flag
China
16.499 USD
89
Namibia flag
Namibia
16.327 USD
90
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
13.814 USD
91
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
13.514 USD
92
Morocco flag
Morocco
13.114 USD
93
Peru flag
Peru
12.362 USD
94
Philippines flag
Philippines
12.207 USD
95
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
11.369 USD
96
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
11.199 USD
97
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
10.83 USD
98
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
9.999 USD
99
Ghana flag
Ghana
9.427 USD
100
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
8.946 USD
101
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
8.898 USD
102
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
8.536 USD
103
India flag
India
8.116 USD
104
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
8.096 USD
105
Congo flag
Congo
7.561 USD
106
Kenya flag
Kenya
7.523 USD
107
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
7.335 USD
108
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
7.278 USD
109
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
7.12 USD
110
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
6.603 USD
111
Angola flag
Angola
6.473 USD
112
Sudan flag
Sudan
5.511 USD
113
Zambia flag
Zambia
5.16 USD
114
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
4.829 USD
115
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
4.78 USD
116
Chad flag
Chad
4.308 USD
117
Senegal flag
Senegal
4.282 USD
118
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
4.245 USD
119
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
4.17 USD
120
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
4.119 USD
121
Malawi flag
Malawi
3.62 USD
122
Yemen flag
Yemen
3.56 USD
123
Mali flag
Mali
3.492 USD
124
Uganda flag
Uganda
3.308 USD
125
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
2.98 USD
126
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
2.682 USD
127
Niger flag
Niger
1.938 USD
128
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
1.793 USD
129
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
1.707 USD

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Ireland flagIreland
  2. #2Norway flagNorway
  3. #3Switzerland flagSwitzerland
  4. #4Luxembourg flagLuxembourg
  5. #5Denmark flagDenmark
  6. #6Netherlands flagNetherlands
  7. #7Austria flagAustria
  8. #8Belgium flagBelgium
  9. #9Sweden flagSweden
  10. #10Germany flagGermany

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #129Madagascar flagMadagascar
  2. #128Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  3. #127Niger flagNiger
  4. #126Mozambique flagMozambique
  5. #125Burkina Faso flagBurkina Faso
  6. #124Uganda flagUganda
  7. #123Mali flagMali
  8. #122Yemen flagYemen
  9. #121Malawi flagMalawi
  10. #120Tanzania flagTanzania

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Insights by country

1

Congo

Congo ranked #105 globally with a Labor Productivity Output of 7.560773 USD in 2021. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in economic development and infrastructure. Key factors contributing to this low productivity include limited access to modern technology and a workforce that is predominantly engaged in low-value agriculture.

2

Gabon

In 2021, Gabon achieved a Labor Productivity Output of 35.11949 USD, ranking #54 out of 129 countries. This figure is notably higher than many of its regional peers in Central Africa, indicating a relatively strong economic performance. The country's productivity can be attributed to its wealth of natural resources, particularly oil and timber, which drive economic activity and employment opportunities.

3

Iraq

Iraq achieved a labor productivity output of 38.306454 USD in 2021, ranking #49 out of 129 countries. This figure is below the global average, reflecting challenges in economic diversification and industrial development compared to higher-ranked nations.

The primary drivers of Iraq's labor productivity include its reliance on oil exports, which dominate the economy, and ongoing political instability that affects investment in other sectors. Additionally, demographic factors, such as a young workforce, present both opportunities and challenges for enhancing productivity in the long term.

4

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina achieved a Labor Productivity Output of 36.544075 USD, ranking #51 out of 129 countries. This figure is notably lower than the European Union average, indicating potential challenges in economic efficiency and workforce optimization. Contributing factors include a transitional economy still recovering from the impacts of the 1990s conflict, alongside a reliance on low-wage sectors that may hinder productivity growth.

5

Kenya

In 2021, Kenya ranked #106 globally for Labor Productivity Output, with a value of 7.523492 USD. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating challenges in productivity compared to higher-performing nations. Factors contributing to Kenya's labor productivity include a young and growing workforce, yet the economy faces obstacles such as infrastructure deficits and reliance on agriculture, which can limit efficiency and output.

6

Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Labor Productivity Output in 2021 was 4.2449546 USD, ranking it #118 out of 129 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating significant room for improvement in economic efficiency. Key drivers of this low productivity include a largely agrarian economy, limited access to modern technology, and challenges in infrastructure development.

7

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranked #57 globally in 2021 for Labor Productivity Output, with a value of 34.628296 USD. This places Bulgaria below the European Union average, reflecting challenges in productivity compared to its neighbors. Key drivers of this output include a transitioning economy that relies heavily on services and manufacturing, coupled with a workforce that faces demographic pressures such as an aging population and emigration of skilled labor.

8

Hungary

In 2021, Hungary achieved a global rank of #45 with a Labor Productivity Output of 41.586166 USD. This figure is notably higher than some neighboring countries, indicating a competitive edge in productivity within Central Europe. Key drivers of this productivity include Hungary's strategic location as a logistics hub in Europe and a skilled workforce bolstered by educational reforms aimed at enhancing vocational training.

9

Algeria

In 2021, Algeria achieved a Labor Productivity Output of 26.447344 USD, ranking #65 out of 129 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating room for improvement in efficiency compared to top performers. Key drivers of Algeria's productivity include its reliance on the hydrocarbons sector, which dominates the economy, and challenges related to workforce skills and economic diversification.

10

Jordan

In 2021, Jordan achieved a global rank of #79 with a Labor Productivity Output of 18.672287 USD. This figure is below the global average, indicating challenges in economic efficiency compared to more productive economies. Key drivers of this productivity level include Jordan's reliance on sectors like services and tourism, which face volatility, as well as limited natural resources that constrain industrial growth.

Analysis & Context

Ireland leads the world in Labor Productivity Output with a value of 173.67 USD in 2021, while the global range spans from 1.71 USD in Madagascar to Ireland's peak. The global average Labor Productivity Output stands at 34.16 USD, providing a baseline for economic efficiency comparisons across 129 countries.

High Performers: Economic Structures and Policy Impacts

The top-performing countries in Labor Productivity Output, such as Ireland (173.67 USD), Norway (131.25 USD), and Switzerland (99.48 USD), are characterized by advanced economies with significant investment in technology and innovation. Ireland's leading position can be attributed to its strong presence of multinational corporations, low corporate tax rates, and a highly educated workforce. In contrast, Norway benefits from its wealth of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which contribute to high productivity levels. Meanwhile, Switzerland's robust financial sector and skilled labor force help maintain its high output.

Challenges in Low Productivity Regions

On the opposite end of the spectrum, countries like Madagascar (1.71 USD), Congo, Democratic Republic of the (1.79 USD), and Niger (1.94 USD) face significant challenges that hinder productivity. These include political instability, limited access to education, and inadequate infrastructure. The reliance on agriculture, which typically yields lower productivity compared to industrial and service sectors, further exacerbates these challenges. For instance, Madagascar's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for a large share of employment but generates low economic output per hour worked.

Year-over-Year Dynamics and Influential Factors

The data shows notable year-over-year increases and decreases in Labor Productivity Output. The Syrian Arab Republic experienced the largest increase of 11.32 USD (99.8%), potentially due to stabilization efforts and reconstruction activities following years of conflict. Norway and Ireland also saw significant increases of 9.87 USD (8.1%) and 8.62 USD (5.2%), respectively, driven by economic resilience and strategic economic policies.

Conversely, Saudi Arabia faced the largest decrease of 10.88 USD (14.6%), reflecting the impact of fluctuating oil prices and efforts to diversify its economy. Additionally, Iran and Turkey experienced declines of 7.23 USD (25.2%) and 4.74 USD (8.3%), respectively, due to geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions that have strained their economies.

Geographic and Demographic Influences

Geographic and demographic factors play critical roles in shaping Labor Productivity Output. Countries with smaller populations and higher urbanization rates, such as Luxembourg (91.46 USD) and Denmark (90.23 USD), often exhibit higher productivity due to concentrated economic activities and efficient resource utilization. Urban centers tend to have better infrastructure, access to education, and a concentration of skilled labor, all of which contribute to higher output per hour worked.

In contrast, larger countries with significant rural populations, such as India and Indonesia, often face challenges in achieving high labor productivity due to the vast geographical spread and the need to uplift rural economies. These regions may require substantial investment in infrastructure and education to boost productivity.

In summary, Labor Productivity Output in 2021 highlights stark contrasts between countries, driven by economic structures, policies, and geographic factors. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers aiming to enhance productivity and economic efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Productivity Output in 2021

Which country had the highest labor productivity output in 2021?

Ireland had the highest labor productivity output in 2021, with a value of 174 USD per hour worked.

What was the lowest labor productivity output recorded in 2021?

The lowest labor productivity output in 2021 was recorded by Madagascar, with a value of 1.71 USD per hour worked.

What was the average labor productivity output across all countries in 2021?

The average labor productivity output across all 129 countries in 2021 was 34.16 USD per hour worked.

What was the median labor productivity output value in 2021?

The median labor productivity output value in 2021 was 26.45 USD per hour worked.

Which countries were in the top 3 for labor productivity output in 2021?

The top 3 countries for labor productivity output in 2021 were Ireland with 174 USD, Norway with 131 USD, and Switzerland with 99.48 USD.

What was the range of labor productivity output values in 2021?

The range of labor productivity output values in 2021 spanned from 1.71 USD in Madagascar to 174 USD in Ireland.

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".

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Cite this page

Geo Factbook. (n.d.). Labor Productivity Output by Country, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2026, from https://geofactbook.com/fact/labor-productivity-output/2021

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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Historical Data by Year

Explore Labor Productivity Output data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.