Bahrain Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Bahrain's labor force participation was 70.43% in 2025, ranked 25th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Bahrain's labor force participation stood at 70.43% in 2025, a decline of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 71.16% by 2026. Bahrain ranked 25th globally.
Bahrain’s labor force participation rate has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 66.72 % in 1990 to 70.43 % in 2025, which places it 25th globally. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 72.39 % in 2017 before slipping to a low of 64.91 % in 2004, suggesting that recent reforms have largely reversed the earlier decline. Compared with peers of similar rank, Bahrain’s 2025 rate is marginally above New Zealand’s 70.35 % and just below Paraguay’s 70.25 %, while still trailing the higher participation observed in Moldova (72.29 %) and Viet Nam (72.78 %). The upward trajectory reflects expanding private‑sector employment and greater female labor market entry, yet the gap with the peak indicates room for improvement. Continued diversification away from oil and targeted skill‑development programs are likely to sustain the positive trend and could push participation toward the 2025 level of its regional peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 71.82% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 71.49% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 71.16% | - | - |
| 2025 | 70.43% | −0.14pp | #25 |
| 2024 | 70.57% | −0.13pp | #26 |
| 2023 | 70.70% | +0.42pp | #29 |
| 2022 | 70.29% | +1.35pp | #29 |
| 2021 | 68.94% | −0.29pp | #32 |
| 2020 | 69.23% | −2.19pp | #26 |
| 2019 | 71.41% | −0.66pp | #27 |
| 2018 | 72.07% | −0.32pp | #25 |
| 2017 | 72.39% | +0.41pp | #24 |
| 2016 | 71.98% | +0.62pp | #26 |
| 2015 | 71.36% | +0.19pp | #26 |
| 2014 | 71.17% | −0.38pp | #28 |
| 2013 | 71.55% | −0.04pp | #27 |
| 2012 | 71.59% | +0.40pp | #28 |
| 2011 | 71.19% | −0.56pp | #29 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahrain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahrain's labor force participation was 70.43% in 2025. Ranked 25th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Bahrain's labor force participation peaked at 72.39% in 2017.
The lowest labor force participation in Bahrain was 64.91% in 2004.
Bahrain ranks 25th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bahrain's labor force participation is projected to reach 71.16% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Bahrain in 2025 was 70.43%. This ranks 25th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahrain_labor-force-participation,
title = {Bahrain Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahrain/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}