Youth Labor Force Participation Rate 2008
Youth labor force participation measures the percentage of young people actively engaged in the labor market, employed or seeking work.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tanzania | 87.362 % | |
2 | Madagascar | 86.547 % | |
3 | Qatar | 86.094 % | |
4 | Solomon Islands | 84.456 % | |
5 | Mozambique | 83.393 % | |
6 | North Korea | 82.053 % | |
7 | Ethiopia | 81.729 % | |
8 | Nigeria | 81.609 % | |
9 | Burkina Faso | 80.288 % | |
10 | Cameroon | 80.012 % | |
11 | Eritrea | 79.972 % | |
12 | Niger | 79.434 % | |
13 | Cambodia | 78.939 % | |
14 | Peru | 78.223 % | |
15 | Burundi | 77.879 % | |
16 | Malawi | 77.309 % | |
17 | Angola | 77.253 % | |
18 | Liberia | 77.12 % | |
19 | United Arab Emirates | 77.059 % | |
20 | Iceland | 76.416 % | |
21 | Vietnam | 75.587 % | |
22 | Bahamas | 73.994 % | |
23 | South Sudan | 73.992 % | |
24 | Uganda | 73.661 % | |
25 | Kenya | 73.469 % | |
26 | Thailand | 72.877 % | |
27 | Central African Republic | 72.603 % | |
28 | Ghana | 71.974 % | |
29 | Benin | 71.837 % | |
30 | China | 71.625 % | |
31 | Kazakhstan | 71.12 % | |
32 | Vanuatu | 71.024 % | |
33 | Mali | 70.327 % | |
34 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 69.868 % | |
35 | China, Macao SAR | 69.757 % | |
36 | Bhutan | 69.666 % | |
37 | Barbados | 69.42 % | |
38 | Bahrain | 69.309 % | |
39 | Paraguay | 69.302 % | |
40 | Bolivia | 68.773 % | |
41 | Timor-Leste | 68.669 % | |
42 | Norway | 68.425 % | |
43 | Switzerland | 68.192 % | |
44 | Lesotho | 68.103 % | |
45 | Georgia | 67.97 % | |
46 | New Zealand | 67.968 % | |
47 | Kuwait | 67.937 % | |
48 | Congo | 67.795 % | |
49 | Canada | 67.268 % | |
50 | Brazil | 67.173 % | |
51 | Netherlands | 67.152 % | |
52 | Brunei Darussalam | 66.9 % | |
53 | Cรดte d'Ivoire | 66.676 % | |
54 | Singapore | 66.615 % | |
55 | Ecuador | 66.549 % | |
56 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 66.497 % | |
57 | Indonesia | 66.373 % | |
58 | Saint Lucia | 66.207 % | |
59 | Ireland | 65.939 % | |
60 | Trinidad and Tobago | 65.834 % | |
61 | Zimbabwe | 65.746 % | |
62 | Myanmar | 65.734 % | |
63 | Panama | 65.656 % | |
64 | Australia | 65.564 % | |
65 | Denmark | 65.208 % | |
66 | Chad | 65.167 % | |
67 | United States | 64.985 % | |
68 | Haiti | 64.909 % | |
69 | New Caledonia | 64.467 % | |
70 | Jamaica | 64.385 % | |
71 | Venezuela | 64.294 % | |
72 | Colombia | 64.158 % | |
73 | Uruguay | 64.006 % | |
74 | Sweden | 63.865 % | |
75 | Cyprus | 63.678 % | |
76 | Guinea-Bissau | 63.5 % | |
77 | United States Virgin Islands | 63.012 % | |
78 | Nicaragua | 62.949 % | |
79 | Israel | 62.811 % | |
80 | Russia | 62.549 % | |
81 | Sierra Leone | 62.547 % | |
82 | Kyrgyzstan | 62.286 % | |
83 | United Kingdom | 62.185 % | |
84 | Portugal | 62.002 % | |
85 | Belarus | 61.814 % | |
86 | Botswana | 61.783 % | |
87 | Latvia | 61.513 % | |
88 | Belize | 61.453 % | |
89 | Finland | 61.426 % | |
90 | Guatemala | 61.351 % | |
91 | Estonia | 61.157 % | |
92 | Rwanda | 61.096 % | |
93 | Philippines | 61.065 % | |
94 | Malaysia | 60.958 % | |
95 | Laos | 60.945 % | |
96 | El Salvador | 60.924 % | |
97 | Costa Rica | 60.909 % | |
98 | Azerbaijan | 60.823 % | |
99 | South Korea | 60.813 % | |
100 | Mexico | 60.638 % | |
101 | Guinea | 60.461 % | |
102 | Armenia | 60.444 % | |
103 | Argentina | 60.428 % | |
104 | Japan | 60.155 % | |
105 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 60.077 % | |
106 | Fiji | 59.933 % | |
107 | Slovenia | 59.783 % | |
108 | Guam | 59.765 % | |
109 | Austria | 59.658 % | |
110 | Republic of Moldova | 59.587 % | |
111 | Honduras | 59.576 % | |
112 | Slovakia | 59.175 % | |
113 | Zambia | 59.161 % | |
114 | Germany | 59.087 % | |
115 | Spain | 59.084 % | |
116 | Equatorial Guinea | 58.899 % | |
117 | Chile | 58.546 % | |
118 | Mongolia | 58.454 % | |
119 | Czech Republic | 58.409 % | |
120 | Bangladesh | 58.324 % | |
121 | Mauritius | 58.305 % | |
122 | Togo | 58.17 % | |
123 | Oman | 57.768 % | |
124 | Dominican Republic | 57.585 % | |
125 | Tonga | 56.965 % | |
126 | Guyana | 56.518 % | |
127 | India | 56.511 % | |
128 | Namibia | 56.405 % | |
129 | Ukraine | 56.247 % | |
130 | France | 56.132 % | |
131 | Cabo Verde | 56.111 % | |
132 | French Polynesia | 56.075 % | |
133 | Lithuania | 55.787 % | |
134 | South Africa | 55.786 % | |
135 | Luxembourg | 55.223 % | |
136 | Samoa | 55.142 % | |
137 | Uzbekistan | 54.898 % | |
138 | Bulgaria | 54.862 % | |
139 | North Macedonia | 54.701 % | |
140 | Poland | 54.583 % | |
141 | Cuba | 54.238 % | |
142 | Sri Lanka | 53.751 % | |
143 | Belgium | 53.695 % | |
144 | Albania | 53.192 % | |
145 | Croatia | 53.08 % | |
146 | Serbia | 52.792 % | |
147 | Maldives | 52.4 % | |
148 | Greece | 52.328 % | |
149 | Hungary | 52.176 % | |
150 | Eswatini | 52.15 % | |
151 | Suriname | 51.655 % | |
152 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 51.374 % | |
153 | Romania | 50.967 % | |
154 | Morocco | 50.59 % | |
155 | Pakistan | 50.084 % | |
156 | Malta | 49.718 % | |
157 | Saudi Arabia | 49.135 % | |
158 | Senegal | 48.994 % | |
159 | Italy | 48.921 % | |
160 | Gabon | 48.624 % | |
161 | Papua New Guinea | 48.557 % | |
162 | Sudan | 48.463 % | |
163 | Montenegro | 48.277 % | |
164 | Gambia | 48.131 % | |
165 | Libya | 47.917 % | |
166 | Turkmenistan | 47.643 % | |
167 | Egypt | 47.551 % | |
168 | Turkey | 46.886 % | |
169 | Tunisia | 46.83 % | |
170 | Afghanistan | 46.682 % | |
171 | Puerto Rico | 44.8 % | |
172 | Tajikistan | 44.57 % | |
173 | Mauritania | 44.365 % | |
174 | Lebanon | 43.854 % | |
175 | Syrian Arab Republic | 43.594 % | |
176 | Algeria | 43.149 % | |
177 | Comoros | 42.606 % | |
178 | Iran | 42.271 % | |
179 | Iraq | 41.568 % | |
180 | Nepal | 41.014 % | |
181 | Yemen | 40.467 % | |
182 | Jordan | 39.5 % | |
183 | State of Palestine | 39.376 % | |
184 | Somalia | 34.497 % | |
185 | Djibouti | 33.407 % | |
186 | Sao Tome and Principe | 24.028 % |
- #1
Tanzania
- #2
Madagascar
- #3
Qatar
- #4
Solomon Islands
- #5
Mozambique
- #6
North Korea
- #7
Ethiopia
- #8
Nigeria
- #9
Burkina Faso
- #10
Cameroon
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #186
Sao Tome and Principe
- #185
Djibouti
- #184
Somalia
- #183
State of Palestine
- #182
Jordan
- #181
Yemen
- #180
Nepal
- #179
Iraq
- #178
Iran
- #177
Comoros
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The Youth Labor Force Participation Rate in 2008 was highest in Tanzania at 87.36%, while the global range spanned from a minimum of 24.03% to a maximum of 87.36%. The worldwide average participation rate was 61.10%, providing a benchmark for evaluating individual country performances.
Economic Factors Influencing High Participation Rates
Countries such as Tanzania (87.36%), Madagascar (86.55%), and Qatar (86.09%) exhibited the highest youth labor force participation rates in 2008. These high rates can often be attributed to a combination of economic necessity and limited access to higher education. In many developing nations, economic conditions compel young people to enter the workforce early to support their families, especially in regions where informal sectors dominate the economy. For instance, in Tanzania and Madagascar, agriculture plays a significant role in the economy, prompting youth involvement from a young age.
Additionally, in countries like Qatar, the labor market is influenced by high demand for labor due to rapid economic growth, particularly in sectors like construction and services, where young workers are often employed.
Low Participation Rates and Their Drivers
At the opposite end of the spectrum, countries such as Sao Tome and Principe (24.03%), Djibouti (33.41%), and Somalia (34.50%) recorded the lowest youth labor force participation rates. These low rates are often linked to high unemployment, political instability, and cultural factors that prioritize education over early entry into the workforce. For example, Djibouti and Somalia have faced considerable political and economic challenges, which can limit job opportunities for youth.
In some cases, government policies aimed at increasing educational attainment contribute to lower participation rates, as seen in Jordan (39.50%) and State of Palestine (39.38%), where education is prioritized to improve future economic prospects.
Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes
From 2007 to 2008, the average youth labor force participation rate saw a slight decrease of 0.05% (-0.1%). The most significant increases were observed in Guam (+1.97%), Panama (+1.57%), and Bahrain (+1.36%). These increases can be linked to economic growth and improved job opportunities for young people. For instance, Guam experienced growth in tourism-related jobs, while Panama benefited from the expansion of the Panama Canal, creating numerous employment opportunities.
Conversely, some countries witnessed notable decreases in participation rates, such as Vanuatu (-3.03%), Cambodia (-2.29%), and Iran (-2.16%). These declines may be attributed to economic downturns or policy shifts that reduced labor market entry for youth. In Iran, for example, economic sanctions and internal economic challenges likely impacted employment opportunities for young people.
Implications of Youth Labor Force Participation
The Youth Labor Force Participation Rate is a critical indicator of a country's economic and social health. High participation rates often reflect economic necessity and limited educational opportunities, which can hinder long-term economic development. Conversely, low participation rates may indicate high youth unemployment or successful educational policies, though they can also signal economic stagnation or lack of job creation.
For countries with high participation rates like Tanzania and Madagascar, there is a need to balance immediate economic needs with investments in education to ensure sustainable growth. Meanwhile, countries with low rates, such as Sao Tome and Principe and Djibouti, must address structural issues to create more opportunities for youth.
Ultimately, understanding the factors driving youth labor force participation can help policymakers design targeted interventions that support both economic growth and the development of a well-educated, skilled workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Labor Force Participation Rate in 2008
Which country had the highest youth labor force participation rate in 2008?
Tanzania had the highest youth labor force participation rate in 2008, with 87.36%.
Which country had the lowest youth labor force participation rate in 2008?
Sao Tome and Principe had the lowest youth labor force participation rate in 2008, with 24.03%.
What was the average youth labor force participation rate across all countries in 2008?
The average youth labor force participation rate across all countries in 2008 was 61.1%.
What was the median youth labor force participation rate in 2008?
The median youth labor force participation rate in 2008 was 61.01%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for youth labor force participation rate in 2008?
The top 3 countries for youth labor force participation rate in 2008 were Tanzania (87.36%), Madagascar (86.55%), and Qatar (86.09%).
How many countries were included in the dataset for youth labor force participation rate in 2008?
The dataset for youth labor force participation rate in 2008 included 186 countries.
Insights by country
Zambia
Zambia's Youth Labor Force Participation Rate in 2008 was 59.161 %, ranking it #113 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than many neighboring countries, reflecting a significant portion of the youth engaged in economic activities. Key drivers include a young population and the necessity for income generation in a country facing economic challenges and limited job opportunities. Additionally, agricultural work remains a primary source of employment for many young Zambians.
Burkina Faso
In 2008, Burkina Faso achieved a global rank of #9 with a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 80.288 %. This high rate is significantly above the global average, reflecting the country's youthful demographic and economic reliance on agriculture. Many young individuals engage in subsistence farming or informal employment, driven by limited access to formal job opportunities and educational resources.
Turkmenistan
In 2008, Turkmenistan had a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 47.643%, ranking #166 out of 186 countries. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in youth employment opportunities compared to more developed nations. Key drivers of this low participation include the country's centralized economy and limited job creation in diverse sectors, which restricts opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
Bolivia
In 2008, Bolivia achieved a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 68.773 %, ranking #40 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong engagement of youth in the labor market. Contributing factors include Bolivia's youthful demographic profile and economic necessity, as many young people seek employment in a country where formal job opportunities can be limited.
Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe ranked #186 globally in 2008 with a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 24.028 %. This rate is significantly lower than many countries, reflecting a lack of employment opportunities for youth compared to the global average. Contributing factors include the nation's limited economic diversification and reliance on agriculture, which often does not absorb the growing youth population effectively.
Turkey
In 2008, Turkey ranked #168 globally with a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 46.886 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating significant challenges in youth employment compared to many other countries. Key drivers of this low participation rate include a high youth unemployment rate and economic instability, which have hindered job creation in the formal sector.
Lesotho
In 2008, Lesotho had a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 68.103 %, ranking #44 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong engagement of young people in the labor market. Contributing factors include Lesotho's youthful population and economic reliance on agriculture, which often employs a significant number of young workers, despite challenges such as limited job opportunities in other sectors.
Bulgaria
In 2008, Bulgaria ranked #138 globally with a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 54.862 %. This rate is notably lower than the European Union average, indicating challenges in youth employment within the region. Contributing factors include a transitioning economy and high youth unemployment rates, which have historically hindered job opportunities for young Bulgarians.
Belgium
In 2008, Belgium's Youth Labor Force Participation Rate was 53.695 %, ranking it #143 out of 186 countries. This rate was below the European Union average, reflecting challenges in integrating young people into the workforce compared to neighboring countries like France and Germany. Factors contributing to this statistic include high educational attainment levels, which may prolong youth dependency, and a labor market that is often characterized by rigid employment regulations.
Australia
In 2008, Australia achieved a Youth Labor Force Participation Rate of 65.564%, ranking #64 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than that of many neighboring countries, reflecting a robust engagement of young Australians in the workforce.
Key drivers behind this participation include Australia's strong economy, which offers diverse job opportunities, and a relatively high level of educational attainment among youth, enabling them to enter the labor market more effectively.
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