Brazil Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Brazil's labor force participation was 63.14% in 2025, ranked 81st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Brazil's labor force participation stood at 63.14% in 2025, a decline of +0.20pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.43% by 2026. Brazil ranked 81st globally.
Brazil's labor force participation rate has experienced a notable decline over the past two decades. At its peak in 2005, the rate reached 68.05%, a level that has not been surpassed since. However, with a trough of 60.48% reached in 2020, the country has seen a significant reduction in the proportion of its working-age population engaging in the labor market. As of 2025, Brazil's labor force participation rate stands at 63.14%, ranking 81st globally. Comparatively, Azerbaijan's rate of 63.29% in 2025 suggests that Brazil is not lagging behind its peer countries by a significant margin. The decline in labor force participation in Brazil can be attributed to various factors including demographic changes, economic instability, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To alter the trajectory of this trend, Brazil would need to implement policies aimed at promoting employment opportunities, particularly for young and low-skilled workers, and address the underlying structural issues hindering labor market participation.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 63.66% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 63.55% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.43% | - | - |
| 2025 | 63.14% | −0.20pp | #81 |
| 2024 | 63.34% | +0.42pp | #79 |
| 2023 | 62.92% | −0.61pp | #83 |
| 2022 | 63.53% | +1.07pp | #74 |
| 2021 | 62.46% | +1.98pp | #78 |
| 2020 | 60.48% | −4.41pp | #89 |
| 2019 | 64.89% | +0.39pp | #64 |
| 2018 | 64.50% | −0.02pp | #67 |
| 2017 | 64.53% | +0.23pp | #65 |
| 2016 | 64.29% | +0.02pp | #68 |
| 2015 | 64.28% | +0.24pp | #67 |
| 2014 | 64.04% | −0.27pp | #69 |
| 2013 | 64.31% | −0.10pp | #66 |
| 2012 | 64.41% | −0.46pp | #65 |
| 2011 | 64.87% | −1.27pp | #61 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Brazil matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2016. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Brazil's labor force participation was 63.14% in 2025. Ranked 81st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Brazil's labor force participation peaked at 68.05% in 2005.
The lowest labor force participation in Brazil was 60.48% in 2020.
Brazil ranks 81st globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Brazil's labor force participation is projected to reach 63.43% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Brazil in 2025 was 63.14%. This ranks 81st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_brazil_labor-force-participation,
title = {Brazil Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/brazil/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}