Eswatini Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Eswatini's labor force participation was 51.19% in 2025, ranked 155th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Eswatini's labor force participation stood at 51.19% in 2025, a decline of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.88% by 2026. Eswatini ranked 155th globally.
Eswatini's labor force participation rate has been on a general decline since its peak in 1990 at 54.41%. The country's latest rate of 51.19% in 2025 ranks it 155th globally, placing it near peers such as Gabon at 51.06% and Romania at 51.33%. The all-time trough occurred in 2020 at 49.49%, a low point during a period marked by global economic challenges. Over the 36 years of available data, Eswatini's labor force participation has trended downward, with the latest value reflecting this ongoing decline. In comparison to its peers, Eswatini's rate is slightly higher than Tonga's 49.81%, but lower than North Macedonia's 51.94%. Looking ahead, a shift in the trend would likely require significant changes in the country's economic policies or external factors that could stimulate greater participation in the workforce.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 52.64% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.26% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.88% | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.19% | −0.01pp | #155 |
| 2024 | 51.20% | −0.02pp | #156 |
| 2023 | 51.22% | +0.79pp | #157 |
| 2022 | 50.43% | +0.75pp | #158 |
| 2021 | 49.69% | +0.19pp | #158 |
| 2020 | 49.49% | −0.73pp | #158 |
| 2019 | 50.23% | −0.31pp | #160 |
| 2018 | 50.53% | −0.30pp | #160 |
| 2017 | 50.84% | −0.30pp | #158 |
| 2016 | 51.14% | −0.12pp | #156 |
| 2015 | 51.25% | −0.13pp | #154 |
| 2014 | 51.38% | −0.12pp | #153 |
| 2013 | 51.50% | −0.10pp | #151 |
| 2012 | 51.60% | −0.11pp | #151 |
| 2011 | 51.71% | −0.13pp | #151 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eswatini matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. 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
Eswatini's labor force participation was 51.19% in 2025. Ranked 155th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Eswatini's labor force participation peaked at 54.41% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Eswatini was 49.49% in 2020.
Eswatini ranks 155th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eswatini's labor force participation is projected to reach 51.88% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Eswatini in 2025 was 51.19%. This ranks 155th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eswatini_labor-force-participation,
title = {Eswatini Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eswatini/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}