Bhutan Industry Employment
Employment in industry SL.IND.EMPL.ZS
Bhutan's industry employment was 15.88% in 2025, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 2.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's industry employment stood at 15.88% in 2025, a rise of +0.36% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.75% by 2026. Bhutan ranked 49th globally.
Bhutan’s share of its labour force employed in industry has risen sharply over the 35‑year series, climbing from a trough of 4.93 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 15.88 % in 2025, the highest level recorded in the World Bank data set and ranking the kingdom 49th globally. This acceleration reflects sustained diversification away from a predominantly agrarian economy, aided by policy incentives for small‑scale manufacturing and hydropower‑linked industrial projects. The 2025 figure of 15.88 % is closely aligned with peer performances such as the United Kingdom’s 15.91 % and Botswana’s 15.77 %, suggesting Bhutan is converging toward the industrial employment shares of more diversified economies. While the upward trajectory underscores successful structural reforms, maintaining momentum will depend on continued investment in skill development, infrastructure, and market access, which could further lift the industrial employment share in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Industry Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 15.91% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 15.83% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 15.75% | - | - |
| 2025 | 15.88% | +0.36% | #49 |
| 2024 | 15.52% | +0.27% | #49 |
| 2023 | 15.25% | +0.01% | #49 |
| 2022 | 15.24% | −0.37% | #49 |
| 2021 | 15.61% | +0.75% | #54 |
| 2020 | 14.86% | −0.59% | #47 |
| 2019 | 15.45% | +2.39% | #50 |
| 2018 | 13.06% | +1.33% | #34 |
| 2017 | 11.73% | +0.95% | #29 |
| 2016 | 10.78% | +1.12% | #28 |
| 2015 | 9.66% | −1.16% | #22 |
| 2014 | 10.82% | −0.14% | #28 |
| 2013 | 10.96% | +1.06% | #26 |
| 2012 | 9.90% | +0.69% | #20 |
| 2011 | 9.21% | +2.47% | #19 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw industry employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's industry employment was 15.88% in 2025. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 2.3% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's industry employment peaked at 15.88% in 2025.
The lowest industry employment in Bhutan was 4.93% in 1991.
Bhutan ranks 49th globally in industry employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.IND.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's industry employment is projected to reach 15.75% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The industry employment of Bhutan in 2025 was 15.88%. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_industry-employment,
title = {Bhutan Industry Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/industry-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}