Eritrea Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Eritrea's labor force participation was 78.35% in 2025, ranked 13th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Eritrea's labor force participation stood at 78.35% in 2025, a rise of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 78.50% by 2026. Eritrea ranked 13th globally.
Eritrea’s labor force participation rate stood at 78.35 % in 2025, placing the country 13th in the world according to World Bank data. This figure follows a modest decline from the all‑time peak of 81.00 % recorded in 1990 and a low of 77.51 % in 2020, indicating a gradual contraction over the 36‑year series. The downward movement is modest compared with regional peers; for example, the United Arab Emirates posted a slightly higher rate of 78.59 % and Burundi recorded 78.25 % in the same year, underscoring Eritrea’s position near the top of the global distribution despite the dip. The persistence of a participation rate above three‑quarters of the working‑age population suggests resilience in labor market engagement, yet the steady erosion hints at structural constraints such as limited job creation and demographic shifts. Continued investment in productive sectors and policies that expand formal employment opportunities could stabilize the rate and potentially reverse the long‑term decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 78.66% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 78.58% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 78.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 78.35% | +0.01pp | #13 |
| 2024 | 78.34% | −0.01pp | #13 |
| 2023 | 78.35% | −0.00pp | #14 |
| 2022 | 78.35% | +0.40pp | #12 |
| 2021 | 77.95% | +0.44pp | #11 |
| 2020 | 77.51% | −0.88pp | #12 |
| 2019 | 78.39% | −0.30pp | #11 |
| 2018 | 78.69% | −0.31pp | #11 |
| 2017 | 79.00% | −0.08pp | #9 |
| 2016 | 79.08% | −0.13pp | #9 |
| 2015 | 79.21% | +0.10pp | #9 |
| 2014 | 79.11% | −0.21pp | #9 |
| 2013 | 79.32% | −0.04pp | #10 |
| 2012 | 79.36% | −0.15pp | #9 |
| 2011 | 79.51% | −0.19pp | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eritrea 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
Eritrea's labor force participation was 78.35% in 2025. Ranked 13th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Eritrea's labor force participation peaked at 81.00% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Eritrea was 77.51% in 2020.
Eritrea ranks 13th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eritrea's labor force participation is projected to reach 78.50% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Eritrea in 2025 was 78.35%. This ranks 13th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eritrea_labor-force-participation,
title = {Eritrea Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eritrea/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}