Denmark Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Denmark's labor force participation was 64.94% in 2025, ranked 59th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Denmark's labor force participation stood at 64.94% in 2025, a decline of +0.11pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.80% by 2026. Denmark ranked 59th globally.
Denmark’s labor‑force participation rate has slipped from its all‑time peak of 67.30 % in 1990 to a trough of 61.34 % in 2014 before modestly recovering to 64.94 % in 2025, placing the country 59th globally. The 2025 figure is marginally lower than Uruguay’s 64.99 % and Ireland’s 64.84 %, indicating that Denmark now lags behind several peers with comparable rankings. The decline through the early 2000s reflects aging demographics and a gradual rise in early‑retirement schemes, while the partial rebound after 2014 coincides with policy incentives aimed at extending working lives and increasing part‑time employment among older workers. Over the 36‑year coverage period, the downward swing has been partially offset by recent reforms encouraging flexible work arrangements and lifelong learning, which have helped arrest the fall. Continued emphasis on active‑ageing policies and the integration of under‑represented groups could sustain the modest upward momentum and prevent a return to the 2014 trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.02% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.41% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.80% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.94% | −0.11pp | #59 |
| 2024 | 65.05% | +1.29pp | #58 |
| 2023 | 63.75% | +0.25pp | #77 |
| 2022 | 63.50% | +0.84pp | #75 |
| 2021 | 62.67% | +0.52pp | #76 |
| 2020 | 62.14% | −0.30pp | #76 |
| 2019 | 62.45% | +0.54pp | #84 |
| 2018 | 61.91% | +0.08pp | #87 |
| 2017 | 61.83% | +0.08pp | #86 |
| 2016 | 61.74% | +0.33pp | #87 |
| 2015 | 61.41% | +0.08pp | #92 |
| 2014 | 61.34% | −0.15pp | #92 |
| 2013 | 61.49% | −0.93pp | #91 |
| 2012 | 62.42% | −0.75pp | #82 |
| 2011 | 63.17% | −0.44pp | #73 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Denmark matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. 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
Denmark's labor force participation was 64.94% in 2025. Ranked 59th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Denmark's labor force participation peaked at 67.30% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Denmark was 61.34% in 2014.
Denmark ranks 59th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Denmark's labor force participation is projected to reach 65.80% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Denmark in 2025 was 64.94%. This ranks 59th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_denmark_labor-force-participation,
title = {Denmark Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/denmark/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}