Urban Informal Employment Share 2010

Urban informal employment share indicates the percentage of workers in informal jobs within urban areas.

59 data points••Global Coverage•Share of workers in informal employment | International Labour Organization via Our World in Data•

Newer data is available: Urban Informal Employment Share by country 2024 →

Highest
Timor-Leste
96.82%
Lowest
Czech Republic
0.76%
Median country
14.94%
Countries with data
59

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
96.82 %
2
Uganda flag
Uganda
96.39 %
3
India flag
India
90.47 %
4
Liberia flag
Liberia
86.71 %
5
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
86.4 %
6
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
81.28 %
7
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
80.93 %
8
Honduras flag
Honduras
80.48 %
9
Peru flag
Peru
76.85 %
10
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
76.75 %
11
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
70.98 %
12
Colombia flag
Colombia
68.07 %
13
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
66.8 %
14
Mexico flag
Mexico
60.52 %
15
Egypt flag
Egypt
57.64 %
16
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
56.74 %
17
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
55.46 %
18
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
53.94 %
19
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
50.68 %
20
Panama flag
Panama
49.8 %
21
Argentina flag
Argentina
49.34 %
22
Turkey flag
Turkey
44.4 %
23
Chile flag
Chile
42.1 %
24
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
40.9 %
25
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
37.85 %
26
South Africa flag
South Africa
34.03 %
27
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
32.36 %
28
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
23.75 %
29
Serbia flag
Serbia
21.64 %
30
Poland flag
Poland
14.94 %
31
Russia flag
Russia
14.77 %
32
Greece flag
Greece
7.58 %
33
France flag
France
6.56 %
34
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
6.27 %
35
Denmark flag
Denmark
5.73 %
36
Portugal flag
Portugal
5.54 %
37
Ireland flag
Ireland
5.53 %
38
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
5.19 %
39
Sweden flag
Sweden
4.42 %
40
Latvia flag
Latvia
3.93 %
41
Italy flag
Italy
3.51 %
42
Spain flag
Spain
3.34 %
43
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
2.97 %
44
Belgium flag
Belgium
2.9 %
45
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
2.71 %
46
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
2.5 %
47
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
2.36 %
48
Norway flag
Norway
2.12 %
49
Malta flag
Malta
1.99 %
50
Iceland flag
Iceland
1.91 %
51
Estonia flag
Estonia
1.88 %
52
Croatia flag
Croatia
1.71 %
53
Hungary flag
Hungary
1.61 %
54
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1.56 %
55
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
1.45 %
56
Finland flag
Finland
1.44 %
57
Austria flag
Austria
1.34 %
58
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1 %
59
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
0.76 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Timor-Leste flagTimor-Leste
  2. #2Uganda flagUganda
  3. #3India flagIndia
  4. #4Liberia flagLiberia
  5. #5Bangladesh flagBangladesh
  6. #6Pakistan flagPakistan
  7. #7Guatemala flagGuatemala
  8. #8Honduras flagHonduras
  9. #9Peru flagPeru
  10. #10Paraguay flagParaguay

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #59Czech Republic flagCzech Republic
  2. #58Slovenia flagSlovenia
  3. #57Austria flagAustria
  4. #56Finland flagFinland
  5. #55Luxembourg flagLuxembourg
  6. #54Slovakia flagSlovakia
  7. #53Hungary flagHungary
  8. #52Croatia flagCroatia
  9. #51Estonia flagEstonia
  10. #50Iceland flagIceland

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

Insights by country

1

Colombia

In 2010, Colombia ranked #12 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 68.07%. This figure is significantly higher than the average for Latin America, indicating a prevalent informal labor market. Contributing factors include high unemployment rates, economic instability, and a lack of access to formal job opportunities, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, the country's ongoing conflict has displaced many individuals, further pushing them into informal employment.

2

Austria

In 2010, Austria ranked #57 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 1.34 %. This figure is notably higher than the lowest-ranked country, which indicates a relatively stable formal employment sector compared to others. The low informal employment share can be attributed to Austria's strong labor market policies and robust social security systems, which encourage formal employment and provide safety nets for workers.

3

Panama

In 2010, Panama had an Urban Informal Employment Share of 49.8 %, ranking #20 out of 59 countries. This figure is notably higher than many of its regional neighbors, indicating significant reliance on informal employment sectors. Contributing factors include a growing urban population coupled with economic challenges that limit formal job creation, particularly in low-income areas of the country.

4

Italy

In 2010, Italy ranked #41 with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 3.51 %. This figure is relatively low compared to the global average, indicating a more regulated labor market than many other countries. Key factors contributing to this statistic include Italy's strong labor laws and social security systems, which provide incentives for formal employment, as well as a relatively high level of economic development that discourages informal work.

5

Luxembourg

In 2010, Luxembourg ranked #55 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 1.45 %. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting Luxembourg's strong economy and robust labor market regulations. The country's wealth, driven by its financial sector and high per capita income, contributes to a formal employment landscape that minimizes the prevalence of informal work.

6

Hungary

In 2010, Hungary ranked #53 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 1.61%. This figure is notably low compared to the highest-ranked country in this category, which typically sees informal employment rates exceeding 50%. The relatively stable economy and strong labor regulations in Hungary contribute to this low share, as well as a focus on formal employment opportunities within the country.

7

Norway

In 2010, Norway had an Urban Informal Employment Share of 2.12%, ranking #48 out of 59 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to many other countries, indicating a well-regulated labor market. Key drivers include Norway's strong welfare state and comprehensive labor policies that promote formal employment, reducing the prevalence of informal work.

8

Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Urban Informal Employment Share in 2010 was 6.27 %, ranking it #34 out of 59 countries. This figure is notably lower than many of its Eastern European neighbors, reflecting a more regulated labor market. Key drivers include Bulgaria's integration into the European Union, which has incentivized formal job creation and improved labor standards, alongside a growing economy that has gradually reduced reliance on informal employment.

9

Switzerland

In 2010, Switzerland ranked #45 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 2.71%. This figure is relatively low compared to many other countries, reflecting the nation’s strong labor regulations and high standards of living. Economic stability, a robust formal job market, and comprehensive social security systems contribute to the limited scope of informal employment in Switzerland.

10

Republic of Moldova

In 2010, the Republic of Moldova held a global rank of #17 with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 55.46%. This significant share was higher than the average in many Eastern European countries, reflecting a challenging economic environment. Key drivers include a large agricultural sector with limited formal job opportunities and a high level of migration, which has led to a reliance on informal work for many households.

11

Belgium

In 2010, Belgium had an Urban Informal Employment Share of 2.9%, ranking #44 out of 59 countries. This figure is notably low compared to many developing nations, where informal employment often exceeds 50%. The relatively stable economy and strong labor regulations in Belgium contribute to this low share, as the country emphasizes formal employment through robust social security systems and labor protections.

12

Uruguay

In 2010, Uruguay ranked #24 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 40.9%. This figure is notably higher than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting significant informal labor markets in South America. Contributing factors include a relatively high level of economic informality, driven by a mix of regulatory challenges and the need for flexible employment options among the workforce.

13

Dominican Republic

In 2010, the Dominican Republic ranked #18 with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 53.94 %. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating significant reliance on informal labor markets. Contributing factors include a high rate of urbanization and economic challenges that limit formal job opportunities, especially in cities like Santo Domingo.

14

Netherlands

In 2010, the Netherlands ranked #38 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 5.19%. This figure is relatively low compared to many countries, indicating a more structured labor market. Contributing factors include the country's robust social welfare system and strong regulatory framework that support formal employment opportunities, reducing reliance on informal work. Additionally, the Netherlands’ high level of urbanization and economic development further minimizes the prevalence of informal employment.

15

Greece

In 2010, Greece ranked #32 globally with an Urban Informal Employment Share of 7.58 %. This figure is relatively low compared to countries with higher informal employment rates, highlighting Greece's relatively structured labor market. Key drivers of this statistic include Greece's economic challenges following the financial crisis, which influenced labor dynamics, and a strong emphasis on regulatory frameworks aimed at formalizing employment.

16

Spain

In 2010, Spain had an Urban Informal Employment Share of 3.34%, ranking #42 out of 59 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to many Latin American nations, where informal employment often exceeds 40%. Contributing factors to Spain's urban informal employment include its robust labor regulations and social security systems, which discourage informal work, as well as economic challenges stemming from the financial crisis that began in 2008, which affected job availability in formal sectors.

17

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina had an Urban Informal Employment Share of 32.36% in 2010, ranking #27 out of 59 countries. This figure indicates a significant reliance on informal employment compared to many European nations, reflecting challenges in the formal labor market.

The high rate is driven by factors such as economic instability, high unemployment rates, and a lack of regulatory frameworks that encourage formal job creation. Additionally, the legacy of conflict and ongoing political complexities have hindered effective labor market reforms.

18

Finland

In 2010, Finland had an Urban Informal Employment Share of 1.44%, ranking #56 out of 59 countries. This figure is notably low compared to many developing nations, indicating a relatively stable formal employment sector. Finland's strong social welfare system and high levels of education contribute to this low share, as the country emphasizes regulated labor markets and comprehensive support for workers.

Analysis & Context

In 2010, Timor-Leste led the world in Urban Informal Employment Share with a staggering 96.82%, while the range of this metric spanned from a minimum of 0.76% in the Czech Republic to the maximum recorded in Timor-Leste. The global average of Urban Informal Employment Share for the same year was 32.03%, providing a crucial context for understanding employment structures across different countries.

Economic Factors and Urban Informal Employment Share

Countries with high Urban Informal Employment Share often face unique economic challenges. For instance, in Timor-Leste and Uganda, where informal employment exceeds 96%, the limited availability of formal jobs forces a significant portion of the urban workforce into informal employment. In these economies, formal sectors are often underdeveloped, and informal work provides necessary income opportunities despite the lack of social security and labor protections.

In contrast, countries like the Czech Republic and Slovenia, with Urban Informal Employment Shares of 0.76% and 1% respectively, benefit from robust economic infrastructures that support formal employment. Strong regulatory frameworks and economic policies in these nations ensure that more jobs are created in the formal sector, reducing the need for informal employment.

Urbanization and Its Impact on Informal Employment

Urbanization often correlates with shifts in employment patterns, influencing the share of informal employment. In rapidly urbanizing countries such as India and Bangladesh, with informal employment shares of 90.47% and 86.4% respectively, the influx of rural populations into urban areas can outpace the creation of formal job opportunities. This leads to a reliance on informal jobs, which are more accessible but typically less secure.

Conversely, countries with stable urbanization rates, such as Finland and Luxembourg (informal shares of 1.44% and 1.45%), often have a balanced distribution of resources and job opportunities, contributing to lower informal employment rates. Their well-planned urban development strategies facilitate better integration of new urban dwellers into the formal economy.

Year-over-Year Changes and Economic Shifts

Analyzing year-over-year changes in Urban Informal Employment Share reveals dynamic economic shifts. Mongolia experienced the largest increase of 7.79% (18.2%), reflecting possible economic transitions or disruptions that pushed more workers into informal employment. Similarly, Ireland saw a significant increase of 2.07% (59.8%), potentially due to economic policies or external economic pressures that affected formal job availability.

On the flip side, the United Kingdom saw the most substantial decrease of 7.57% (-75.2%), indicating effective economic policies or recovery strategies that facilitated the movement of workers from informal to formal employment. Other countries like Ecuador and Panama also registered declines, suggesting improvements in formal job creation or economic stabilization efforts.

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

The data on Urban Informal Employment Share highlights the critical need for policy interventions tailored to each country's unique economic landscape. For nations with high informal employment, like India and Pakistan (81.28%), policies that stimulate formal job growth and enhance labor protections in informal sectors are vital. Investments in education, vocational training, and infrastructure can be transformative, enabling smoother transitions to formal employment.

For countries with low informal employment, such as Austria and Finland, maintaining robust economic policies that support formal job creation is essential. These nations can serve as models for developing economies by demonstrating the benefits of strong regulatory environments and comprehensive social safety nets.

Overall, understanding the factors driving Urban Informal Employment Share is crucial for policymakers aiming to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. As global economies continue to evolve, these insights will be indispensable in shaping future labor market strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Informal Employment Share in 2010

Which country had the highest urban informal employment share in 2010?

Timor-Leste had the highest urban informal employment share in 2010, with 96.82%.

Which country had the lowest urban informal employment share in 2010?

The Czech Republic had the lowest urban informal employment share in 2010, with 0.76%.

What was the average urban informal employment share across countries in 2010?

The average urban informal employment share across the 59 countries in 2010 was 32.03%.

What was the median urban informal employment share in 2010?

The median urban informal employment share among the countries in 2010 was 14.94%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for urban informal employment share in 2010?

The top 3 countries for urban informal employment share in 2010 were Timor-Leste (96.82%), Uganda (96.39%), and India (90.47%).

What was the range of urban informal employment shares in 2010?

In 2010, the range of urban informal employment shares spanned from 0.76% in the Czech Republic to 96.82% in Timor-Leste.

Data Source

Share of workers in informal employment | International Labour Organization via Our World in Data

Data produced by International Labour Organization, compiled and published by Our World in Data as "Share of workers in informal employment".

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Urban Informal Employment Share data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.