Costa Rica Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Costa Rica's labor force participation was 57.66% in 2025, ranked 120th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's labor force participation stood at 57.66% in 2025, a decline of +0.03pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.48% by 2026. Costa Rica ranked 120th globally.
Costa Rica's labor force participation rate has exhibited a moderate fluctuation over the past three and a half decades, with slight variations from the peak and trough levels. Since 1990, the rate has hovered around the 57% mark, with a notable increase to 64.33% in 2012, but a decline to 55.66% in 1992. The current rate stands at 57.66%, ranking the country at #120 globally. This value is closely mirrored by peer countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and Slovenia, both of which have slightly higher rates at 57.75% and 57.56%, respectively. Despite this moderate fluctuation, the rate has largely stagnated since 2012, indicating a need for policy adjustments to boost participation. A significant improvement in education and job market conditions could potentially alter this trajectory, pushing the rate towards the peak level experienced in 2012.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 53.08% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 54.28% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 55.48% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.66% | −0.03pp | #120 |
| 2024 | 57.69% | +0.86pp | #122 |
| 2023 | 56.83% | −4.66pp | #133 |
| 2022 | 61.49% | −0.28pp | #91 |
| 2021 | 61.77% | +1.14pp | #86 |
| 2020 | 60.63% | −3.63pp | #88 |
| 2019 | 64.26% | +2.05pp | #70 |
| 2018 | 62.21% | +2.36pp | #85 |
| 2017 | 59.85% | +0.16pp | #106 |
| 2016 | 59.69% | −3.12pp | #109 |
| 2015 | 62.81% | −1.38pp | #77 |
| 2014 | 64.19% | +0.53pp | #66 |
| 2013 | 63.66% | −0.67pp | #73 |
| 2012 | 64.33% | +3.71pp | #67 |
| 2011 | 60.62% | +1.41pp | #97 |
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 labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's labor force participation was 57.66% in 2025. Ranked 120th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's labor force participation peaked at 64.33% in 2012.
The lowest labor force participation in Costa Rica was 55.66% in 1992.
Costa Rica ranks 120th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's labor force participation is projected to reach 55.48% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Costa Rica in 2025 was 57.66%. This ranks 120th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_labor-force-participation,
title = {Costa Rica Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}