Guatemala Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Guatemala's labor force participation was 59.62% in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's labor force participation stood at 59.62% in 2025, a decline of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 58.27% by 2026. Guatemala ranked 105th globally.
Guatemala’s labor force participation rate has slipped from a 1990 level of 66.32% to 59.62% in 2025, placing the country 105th globally. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 67.78% in 2003 before falling to a trough of 58.76% in 2020, reflecting a long‑term decline across the 36‑year series. The 2025 figure is virtually identical to those of peer economies such as Finland (59.68%) and Mongolia (59.69%), suggesting that Guatemala now shares a participation profile with nations at very different stages of development. The persistent downward trajectory points to structural challenges, including a growing share of informal employment and limited female labor market attachment. Continued demographic shifts and policy reforms aimed at expanding formal job opportunities could stabilize the rate, while failure to address these issues may keep participation near its recent low.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 56.83% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 57.55% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 58.27% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.62% | −0.09pp | #105 |
| 2024 | 59.70% | +0.12pp | #106 |
| 2023 | 59.59% | −0.66pp | #109 |
| 2022 | 60.24% | −2.70pp | #102 |
| 2021 | 62.94% | +4.18pp | #72 |
| 2020 | 58.76% | −0.41pp | #105 |
| 2019 | 59.17% | −1.33pp | #114 |
| 2018 | 60.50% | −0.44pp | #99 |
| 2017 | 60.94% | +0.25pp | #90 |
| 2016 | 60.69% | +0.09pp | #95 |
| 2015 | 60.60% | −0.14pp | #98 |
| 2014 | 60.73% | +0.51pp | #96 |
| 2013 | 60.22% | −4.90pp | #104 |
| 2012 | 65.12% | +3.72pp | #62 |
| 2011 | 61.40% | +0.94pp | #90 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. 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
Guatemala's labor force participation was 59.62% in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Guatemala's labor force participation peaked at 67.78% in 2003.
The lowest labor force participation in Guatemala was 58.76% in 2020.
Guatemala ranks 105th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guatemala's labor force participation is projected to reach 58.27% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Guatemala in 2025 was 59.62%. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_labor-force-participation,
title = {Guatemala Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}