Kuwait Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Kuwait's labor force participation was 73.37% in 2025, ranked 21st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Kuwait's labor force participation stood at 73.37% in 2025, a decline of +0.19pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 74.60% by 2026. Kuwait ranked 21st globally.
Kuwait’s labor force participation rate has risen markedly since the earliest recorded value of 64.95 % in 1990, reaching an all‑time peak of 74.35 % in 2022 before a modest decline to 73.36 % in 2025, which places the country 21st globally. The upward trajectory reflects sustained expansion of the private sector and gradual integration of women into the workforce, while the slight post‑peak dip corresponds with a slowdown in public‑sector hiring after the pandemic‑related stimulus period. Compared with peers of similar rank, Kuwait’s rate is marginally lower than the Bahamas (73.78 %) and closely matches the Central African Republic’s 73.39 %, yet it exceeds Peru’s 72.86 % and Vietnam’s 72.78 %. Over the 36‑year coverage span, the indicator has improved by more than eight percentage points, suggesting structural reforms are bearing fruit. Continued diversification away from oil and targeted vocational training programs could sustain the upward momentum and potentially push participation above the 75 % threshold in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 75.55% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 75.07% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 74.60% | - | - |
| 2025 | 73.37% | −0.19pp | #21 |
| 2024 | 73.56% | −0.41pp | #20 |
| 2023 | 73.97% | −0.38pp | #20 |
| 2022 | 74.35% | +3.77pp | #21 |
| 2021 | 70.59% | +1.39pp | #27 |
| 2020 | 69.20% | −4.13pp | #28 |
| 2019 | 73.33% | −0.24pp | #24 |
| 2018 | 73.57% | +0.18pp | #22 |
| 2017 | 73.39% | +0.68pp | #22 |
| 2016 | 72.70% | +0.38pp | #25 |
| 2015 | 72.32% | +0.48pp | #25 |
| 2014 | 71.85% | +0.52pp | #26 |
| 2013 | 71.33% | +0.60pp | #28 |
| 2012 | 70.72% | +1.02pp | #32 |
| 2011 | 69.70% | +1.00pp | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kuwait 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
Kuwait's labor force participation was 73.37% in 2025. Ranked 21st globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Kuwait's labor force participation peaked at 74.35% in 2022.
The lowest labor force participation in Kuwait was 63.36% in 1992.
Kuwait ranks 21st globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kuwait's labor force participation is projected to reach 74.60% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Kuwait in 2025 was 73.37%. This ranks 21st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kuwait_labor-force-participation,
title = {Kuwait Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kuwait/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}