Afghanistan Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Afghanistan's labor force participation was 37.46% in 2025, ranked 176th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Afghanistan's labor force participation stood at 37.46% in 2025, a decline of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36.22% by 2026. Afghanistan ranked 176th globally.
Afghanistan's labor force participation rate has been on a declining trend, with the latest value standing at 37.46% as of 2025, ranking 176th globally. This is significantly lower than its all-time peak of 47.30% recorded in 2017. Compared to its peer countries, Afghanistan's rate is lower than Tajikistan's 38.28% and Nepal's 39.24%, but higher than the Syrian Arab Republic's 36.90% and Somalia's 33.85%. The country has experienced a steady decline over the years, with 2025 marking its all-time trough. The decline in labor force participation rate may be attributed to various factors, including economic instability and lack of job opportunities. Looking ahead, a shift in the trend would likely require significant improvements in the country's economic and social stability, which could potentially lead to an increase in labor force participation and a reversal of the current downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 34.91% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 35.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 36.22% | - | - |
| 2025 | 37.46% | −0.09pp | #176 |
| 2024 | 37.55% | −0.04pp | #176 |
| 2023 | 37.59% | −0.05pp | #178 |
| 2022 | 37.64% | −3.04pp | #179 |
| 2021 | 40.68% | −0.90pp | #175 |
| 2020 | 41.58% | −2.24pp | #170 |
| 2019 | 43.81% | −1.75pp | #171 |
| 2018 | 45.57% | −1.74pp | #169 |
| 2017 | 47.31% | +0.07pp | #167 |
| 2016 | 47.24% | +0.07pp | #168 |
| 2015 | 47.17% | +0.07pp | #166 |
| 2014 | 47.10% | +0.07pp | #167 |
| 2013 | 47.03% | +0.07pp | #167 |
| 2012 | 46.96% | +0.07pp | #169 |
| 2011 | 46.88% | +0.07pp | #169 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Afghanistan matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2022. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan's labor force participation was 37.46% in 2025. Ranked 176th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Afghanistan's labor force participation peaked at 47.31% in 2017.
The lowest labor force participation in Afghanistan was 37.46% in 2025.
Afghanistan ranks 176th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Afghanistan's labor force participation is projected to reach 36.22% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Afghanistan in 2025 was 37.46%. This ranks 176th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_afghanistan_labor-force-participation,
title = {Afghanistan Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/afghanistan/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}