Bhutan Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Bhutan's female labor participation was 56.70% in 2025, ranked 66th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's female labor participation stood at 56.70% in 2025, a rise of +0.06pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.79% by 2026. Bhutan ranked 66th globally.
Bhutan's female labor participation rate has experienced fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with a recorded 36 years of data. Initially at 54.67% in 1990, the rate surged to an all-time high of 65.61% in 2009, outpacing neighboring countries. However, a decline ensued, with the rate plummeting to a trough of 52.51% in 2022, just above Togo's comparable rate. The most recent data available indicates a moderate recovery, with a female labor participation rate of 56.70% in 2025. This is marginally lower than Belarus's comparable rate of 56.77%. The trajectory indicates that Bhutan still lags behind other countries with comparable rates, but a slight increase over the past few years suggests a gradual recovery. A sustained increase in female education and vocational training opportunities, alongside supportive policies, could potentially accelerate Bhutan's female labor participation rate and bridge the gap with its peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 51.33% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 53.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 56.70% | +0.06pp | #66 |
| 2024 | 56.64% | +0.02pp | #69 |
| 2023 | 56.62% | +4.11pp | #67 |
| 2022 | 52.51% | −12.39pp | #98 |
| 2021 | 64.90% | +1.90pp | #23 |
| 2020 | 63.00% | +2.37pp | #29 |
| 2019 | 60.63% | +5.89pp | #43 |
| 2018 | 54.74% | −0.07pp | #79 |
| 2017 | 54.82% | −0.08pp | #81 |
| 2016 | 54.89% | −0.08pp | #79 |
| 2015 | 54.98% | +1.05pp | #75 |
| 2014 | 53.93% | −4.26pp | #82 |
| 2013 | 58.19% | −4.88pp | #54 |
| 2012 | 63.07% | +0.74pp | #34 |
| 2011 | 62.33% | −0.99pp | #35 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. 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
Bhutan's female labor participation was 56.70% in 2025. Ranked 66th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's female labor participation peaked at 65.62% in 2009.
The lowest female labor participation in Bhutan was 52.51% in 2022.
Bhutan ranks 66th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's female labor participation is projected to reach 53.79% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Bhutan in 2025 was 56.70%. This ranks 66th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_female-labor-participation,
title = {Bhutan Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}