Belize Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Belize's female labor participation was 46.47% in 2025, ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 6.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Belize's female labor participation stood at 46.47% in 2025, a rise of +2.64pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.83% by 2026. Belize ranked 133rd globally.
Belize’s female labor force participation has risen markedly since the earliest record in 1990, when only 32.66 % of women were employed, to a World Bank‑reported 46.47 % in 2025, placing the country 133rd globally. The upward trajectory peaked in 2019 at 57.10 %, the highest level reached over the 36‑year series, before a modest decline to the current figure. This pattern mirrors modest gains observed in nearby Costa Rica, whose 2025 participation rate stands at 46.02 %, suggesting regional convergence toward similar gender‑employment norms. The long‑term increase reflects gradual improvements in education, policy incentives for women’s work, and expanding service‑sector opportunities, yet the recent dip indicates vulnerability to macro‑economic shocks or sectoral shifts. Continued investment in childcare infrastructure, skills training, and flexible work arrangements could sustain the gains and potentially restore participation rates to the 2019 peak, steering Belize toward a more inclusive labor market.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 44.75% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 44.79% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 44.83% | - | - |
| 2025 | 46.47% | +2.64pp | #133 |
| 2024 | 43.83% | −0.24pp | #138 |
| 2023 | 44.08% | +0.51pp | #138 |
| 2022 | 43.56% | −3.25pp | #140 |
| 2021 | 46.81% | +5.34pp | #128 |
| 2020 | 41.48% | −15.62pp | #146 |
| 2019 | 57.10% | +2.99pp | #62 |
| 2018 | 54.10% | +5.43pp | #87 |
| 2017 | 48.68% | −0.42pp | #121 |
| 2016 | 49.10% | +0.85pp | #117 |
| 2015 | 48.25% | +0.86pp | #121 |
| 2014 | 47.39% | +0.89pp | #125 |
| 2013 | 46.50% | +0.50pp | #126 |
| 2012 | 46.00% | +0.50pp | #128 |
| 2011 | 45.50% | +0.50pp | #127 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belize matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1990. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belize's female labor participation was 46.47% in 2025. Ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 6.0% increase from the previous year.
Belize's female labor participation peaked at 57.10% in 2019.
The lowest female labor participation in Belize was 32.66% in 1990.
Belize ranks 133rd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belize's female labor participation is projected to reach 44.83% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Belize in 2025 was 46.47%. This ranks 133rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belize_female-labor-participation,
title = {Belize Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belize/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}