Hong Kong SAR, China Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Hong Kong SAR, China's labor force participation was 56.36% in 2025, ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's labor force participation stood at 56.36% in 2025, a decline of +0.48pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.66% by 2026. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 132nd globally.
Hong Kong's labor force participation rate has experienced a decline over the past three and a half decades, with the most recent value standing at 56.36% in 2025, ranking it 132 globally. This rate peaked at 63.44% in 1991, marking the highest level since 1990 when the available data began. Conversely, the all-time trough of 56.36% was also reached in 2025, indicating a sustained downward trend since the peak. For context, neighboring countries such as the Channel Islands and New Caledonia have comparable labor force participation rates, while Bulgaria has a slightly lower rate of 56.12%. The decline in labor force participation in Hong Kong may be attributed to various factors, including demographic changes and shifting workforce dynamics. To alter this trajectory, significant policy interventions, such as education and training initiatives, would be necessary to increase the participation of underrepresented groups and boost economic growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 54.51% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 55.09% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 55.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 56.36% | −0.48pp | #132 |
| 2024 | 56.84% | −0.38pp | #130 |
| 2023 | 57.22% | −0.63pp | #127 |
| 2022 | 57.85% | −0.89pp | #121 |
| 2021 | 58.74% | −0.23pp | #111 |
| 2020 | 58.98% | −1.02pp | #102 |
| 2019 | 60.00% | −0.65pp | #105 |
| 2018 | 60.65% | +0.18pp | #98 |
| 2017 | 60.47% | +0.07pp | #96 |
| 2016 | 60.40% | −0.07pp | #102 |
| 2015 | 60.47% | +0.14pp | #100 |
| 2014 | 60.33% | −0.17pp | #100 |
| 2013 | 60.49% | +0.75pp | #98 |
| 2012 | 59.74% | +0.42pp | #106 |
| 2011 | 59.33% | +0.50pp | #113 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. 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
Hong Kong SAR, China's labor force participation was 56.36% in 2025. Ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's labor force participation peaked at 63.44% in 1991.
The lowest labor force participation in Hong Kong SAR, China was 56.36% in 2025.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 132nd globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's labor force participation is projected to reach 55.66% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 56.36%. This ranks 132nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_labor-force-participation,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}