Brunei Darussalam Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Brunei Darussalam's labor force participation was 64.24% in 2025, ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Brunei Darussalam's labor force participation stood at 64.24% in 2025, a decline of +0.27pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.62% by 2026. Brunei Darussalam ranked 73rd globally.
Brunei Darussalam's labor force participation has experienced fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with a notable decline in recent years. At its peak in 2001, the country's labor force participation rate reached 68.51%, exceeding that of its peer nations such as Albania and Malta. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline, with Brunei's labor force participation rate plummeting to an all-time low of 63.90% in 2021, marginally below that of Haiti, another peer country. Since then, the rate has shown signs of recovery, standing at 64.23% as of 2025, still ranking 73rd globally. Despite this recovery, the country's labor force participation rate remains below its peak level, indicating a potential missed opportunity for increased workforce engagement. A sustained economic recovery and targeted policies to address labor market challenges could alter this trajectory in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 64.84% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 64.73% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 64.62% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.24% | −0.27pp | #73 |
| 2024 | 64.51% | −0.22pp | #69 |
| 2023 | 64.73% | +0.65pp | #66 |
| 2022 | 64.08% | +0.19pp | #68 |
| 2021 | 63.90% | −0.06pp | #63 |
| 2020 | 63.95% | −0.84pp | #61 |
| 2019 | 64.79% | −1.64pp | #65 |
| 2018 | 66.43% | +1.24pp | #49 |
| 2017 | 65.19% | −0.23pp | #62 |
| 2016 | 65.42% | −0.26pp | #58 |
| 2015 | 65.68% | −0.26pp | #55 |
| 2014 | 65.95% | −0.24pp | #55 |
| 2013 | 66.18% | −0.20pp | #53 |
| 2012 | 66.38% | −0.12pp | #52 |
| 2011 | 66.51% | −0.05pp | #53 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Brunei Darussalam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. 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
Brunei Darussalam's labor force participation was 64.24% in 2025. Ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Brunei Darussalam's labor force participation peaked at 68.51% in 2001.
The lowest labor force participation in Brunei Darussalam was 63.90% in 2021.
Brunei Darussalam ranks 73rd globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Brunei Darussalam's labor force participation is projected to reach 64.62% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Brunei Darussalam in 2025 was 64.24%. This ranks 73rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_brunei-darussalam_labor-force-participation,
title = {Brunei Darussalam Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/brunei-darussalam/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}