Barbados Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Barbados's labor force participation was 64.69% in 2025, ranked 64th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Barbados's labor force participation stood at 64.69% in 2025, a decline of +0.29pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.75% by 2026. Barbados ranked 64th globally.
Barbados’ labor force participation rate stood at 64.69 % in 2025, placing the island nation 64th in the world according to the World Bank. This figure represents a modest decline from the 68.51 % recorded in 1990 and remains well below the all‑time peak of 70.15 % reached in 2004, while still above the trough of 62.39 % observed in 2021. The long‑term downward trajectory suggests structural shifts in the economy, such as an aging population and a gradual move away from labor‑intensive sectors. When compared with peers of similar rank, Barbados’ participation rate is marginally higher than Sweden’s 64.59 % and closely aligned with Guinea‑Bissau’s 64.81 %, indicating that despite its small size, the country performs comparably to both high‑income and lower‑income economies. Continued investment in skill development and policies that encourage older workers to remain active could help arrest the decline and steer the participation rate upward in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.60% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.17% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.75% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.69% | −0.29pp | #64 |
| 2024 | 64.98% | −0.04pp | #61 |
| 2023 | 65.02% | −0.33pp | #62 |
| 2022 | 65.35% | +2.96pp | #56 |
| 2021 | 62.39% | −0.72pp | #80 |
| 2020 | 63.10% | −1.82pp | #67 |
| 2019 | 64.93% | −0.79pp | #63 |
| 2018 | 65.71% | −0.45pp | #55 |
| 2017 | 66.17% | +0.10pp | #47 |
| 2016 | 66.06% | +0.63pp | #53 |
| 2015 | 65.43% | −0.91pp | #60 |
| 2014 | 66.34% | −1.95pp | #50 |
| 2013 | 68.29% | +0.72pp | #37 |
| 2012 | 67.57% | −1.07pp | #43 |
| 2011 | 68.64% | −0.26pp | #35 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Barbados matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2011. 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
Barbados's labor force participation was 64.69% in 2025. Ranked 64th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Barbados's labor force participation peaked at 70.15% in 2004.
The lowest labor force participation in Barbados was 62.39% in 2021.
Barbados ranks 64th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Barbados's labor force participation is projected to reach 65.75% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Barbados in 2025 was 64.69%. This ranks 64th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_barbados_labor-force-participation,
title = {Barbados Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/barbados/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}