Bulgaria Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Bulgaria's female labor participation was 50.38% in 2025, ranked 117th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's female labor participation stood at 50.38% in 2025, a decline of +0.11pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 50.99% by 2026. Bulgaria ranked 117th globally.
Bulgaria's female labor participation rate has shown a mixed trend over the past three and a half decades, with a gradual increase from 44.91% in 1990 to an all-time peak of 51.03% in 2023, albeit with some fluctuations. The rate declined to a trough of 44.03% in 1996, likely due to the macroeconomic instability and structural adjustments following the country's transition to a market-based economy. However, since then, Bulgaria has made progress, with the rate continuously rising until 2023. Currently, Bulgaria ranks #117 globally in terms of female labor participation, with a rate of 50.38% in 2025, marginally lower than that of Cabo Verde, which ranks #115 with a rate of 50.47%. To continue improving its ranking, Bulgaria would need to sustain its growth momentum and address the underlying factors hindering female labor market participation, such as education and childcare infrastructure, and social norms.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 51.40% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 51.20% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 50.99% | - | - |
| 2025 | 50.38% | −0.11pp | #117 |
| 2024 | 50.49% | −0.54pp | #116 |
| 2023 | 51.03% | +0.23pp | #114 |
| 2022 | 50.80% | +1.61pp | #110 |
| 2021 | 49.19% | −0.32pp | #114 |
| 2020 | 49.52% | −0.87pp | #108 |
| 2019 | 50.39% | +1.21pp | #114 |
| 2018 | 49.18% | −0.43pp | #119 |
| 2017 | 49.60% | +2.17pp | #115 |
| 2016 | 47.44% | −1.29pp | #126 |
| 2015 | 48.73% | +0.34pp | #118 |
| 2014 | 48.39% | −0.14pp | #119 |
| 2013 | 48.53% | +0.58pp | #117 |
| 2012 | 47.96% | +0.76pp | #121 |
| 2011 | 47.20% | −0.62pp | #118 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's female labor participation was 50.38% in 2025. Ranked 117th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Bulgaria's female labor participation peaked at 51.03% in 2023.
The lowest female labor participation in Bulgaria was 44.03% in 1996.
Bulgaria ranks 117th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's female labor participation is projected to reach 50.99% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Bulgaria in 2025 was 50.38%. This ranks 117th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_female-labor-participation,
title = {Bulgaria Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}