Costa Rica Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Costa Rica's female labor participation was 46.02% in 2025, ranked 134th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's female labor participation stood at 46.02% in 2025, a rise of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 43.49% by 2026. Costa Rica ranked 134th globally.
Costa Rica's female labor participation rate has exhibited a moderate growth trajectory over the past three and a half decades, with a slight decline in recent years. At its peak in 2019, the rate reached 52.73%, before declining to 46.02% in 2025, placing Costa Rica at the 134th position globally. This decline is somewhat comparable to that of Belize, where the rate has also declined from a peak of 50.49% in 2017 to 46.47% in 2025. The rate has been steadily increasing since 1990, when it stood at 32.87%, and has avoided the trough of 32.60% reached in 1992. The country's female labor participation rate has thus progressed significantly, but its recent decline may be attributed to various factors such as lack of childcare support, limited job opportunities, or other socio-economic constraints. A reversal in this trend could occur if the government invests in initiatives that address these constraints and promote female economic empowerment.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 40.94% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 42.22% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 43.49% | - | - |
| 2025 | 46.02% | +0.04pp | #134 |
| 2024 | 45.98% | +1.89pp | #133 |
| 2023 | 44.09% | −6.20pp | #137 |
| 2022 | 50.28% | +0.03pp | #114 |
| 2021 | 50.25% | +1.61pp | #112 |
| 2020 | 48.64% | −4.08pp | #113 |
| 2019 | 52.73% | +4.07pp | #95 |
| 2018 | 48.66% | +2.75pp | #123 |
| 2017 | 45.91% | −0.11pp | #129 |
| 2016 | 46.02% | −4.04pp | #129 |
| 2015 | 50.06% | −1.28pp | #111 |
| 2014 | 51.34% | +0.09pp | #99 |
| 2013 | 51.25% | −0.19pp | #100 |
| 2012 | 51.44% | +4.96pp | #99 |
| 2011 | 46.48% | +2.37pp | #122 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's female labor participation was 46.02% in 2025. Ranked 134th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Costa Rica's female labor participation peaked at 52.73% in 2019.
The lowest female labor participation in Costa Rica was 32.60% in 1992.
Costa Rica ranks 134th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's female labor participation is projected to reach 43.49% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Costa Rica in 2025 was 46.02%. This ranks 134th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_female-labor-participation,
title = {Costa Rica Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}