Bhutan Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Bhutan's services employment was 41.75% in 2025, ranked 35th globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's services employment stood at 41.75% in 2025, a rise of +0.48% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.33% by 2026. Bhutan ranked 35th globally.
Bhutan’s services sector employment share rose from 27.41 percent in 1991 to 41.75 percent in 2025, marking the highest level recorded in the 35‑year series and placing the kingdom at 35th position globally. The increase reflects a gradual structural shift away from agriculture toward tourism, finance and information‑technology services, a pattern echoed in other developing economies such as Kenya, which recorded a comparable 41.73 percent share in the same year. The all‑time trough in 1991 coincided with limited private‑sector development and modest foreign investment, while the 2024‑25 peak aligns with expanded broadband penetration and policy incentives for small‑business formation. Despite the gains, Bhutan’s services employment share remains below that of Cameroon (43.53 percent) and Sierra Leone (44.04 percent), indicating room for further diversification. Continued investment in human capital and digital infrastructure will be crucial to sustain the upward trajectory and narrow the gap with higher‑ranking peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 47.31% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 45.82% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 44.33% | - | - |
| 2025 | 41.75% | +0.48% | #35 |
| 2024 | 41.28% | +0.34% | #35 |
| 2023 | 40.93% | +0.13% | #37 |
| 2022 | 40.80% | +6.27% | #37 |
| 2021 | 34.53% | −0.69% | #25 |
| 2020 | 35.23% | +1.80% | #25 |
| 2019 | 33.43% | +0.48% | #18 |
| 2018 | 32.94% | +0.13% | #20 |
| 2017 | 32.82% | +0.17% | #21 |
| 2016 | 32.65% | +0.29% | #22 |
| 2015 | 32.35% | −0.17% | #23 |
| 2014 | 32.53% | −0.17% | #26 |
| 2013 | 32.70% | +0.95% | #25 |
| 2012 | 31.75% | +1.10% | #24 |
| 2011 | 30.65% | −2.97% | #23 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's services employment was 41.75% in 2025. Ranked 35th globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's services employment peaked at 41.75% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Bhutan was 27.41% in 1991.
Bhutan ranks 35th globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's services employment is projected to reach 44.33% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Bhutan in 2025 was 41.75%. This ranks 35th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_services-employment,
title = {Bhutan Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}