Bhutan Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Bhutan's labor force participation was 64.82% in 2025, ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's labor force participation stood at 64.82% in 2025, a decline of +0.08pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.36% by 2026. Bhutan ranked 62nd globally.
Bhutan’s labor force participation rate has slipped from its all‑time peak of 70.57 % in 1990 to a trough of 62.60 % in 2018, before modestly rebounding to 64.82 % in 2025, placing the kingdom 62nd globally. The 7.75‑percentage‑point decline over the first three decades reflects structural shifts such as an aging population, limited formal sector expansion, and the out‑migration of younger workers to urban centres and abroad. The recent rise, albeit slight, aligns Bhutan with peers of similar rank, notably the Dominican Republic at 64.84 % and Guinea‑Bissau at 64.81 %, suggesting that modest improvements in female participation and informal‑sector integration are beginning to offset earlier contractions. Continued investment in skill development, diversification of the economy beyond agriculture and tourism, and policies encouraging female labor market entry could sustain the upward momentum, potentially moving Bhutan above the median participation level in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 62.01% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 62.68% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.36% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.82% | −0.08pp | #62 |
| 2024 | 64.90% | −0.09pp | #63 |
| 2023 | 64.99% | +1.90pp | #63 |
| 2022 | 63.09% | −6.00pp | #80 |
| 2021 | 69.09% | +1.27pp | #31 |
| 2020 | 67.83% | +1.46pp | #35 |
| 2019 | 66.36% | +3.76pp | #49 |
| 2018 | 62.60% | −0.18pp | #80 |
| 2017 | 62.78% | −0.18pp | #77 |
| 2016 | 62.96% | −0.18pp | #75 |
| 2015 | 63.14% | +0.53pp | #75 |
| 2014 | 62.61% | −2.69pp | #79 |
| 2013 | 65.30% | +0.90pp | #58 |
| 2012 | 64.40% | −3.01pp | #66 |
| 2011 | 67.41% | −0.74pp | #42 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. 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
Bhutan's labor force participation was 64.82% in 2025. Ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Bhutan's labor force participation peaked at 70.57% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Bhutan was 62.60% in 2018.
Bhutan ranks 62nd globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's labor force participation is projected to reach 63.36% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Bhutan in 2025 was 64.82%. This ranks 62nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_labor-force-participation,
title = {Bhutan Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}