Lebanon Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Lebanon's labor force participation was 43.42% in 2023, ranked 168th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2022. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2023.
Overview
Lebanon's labor force participation stood at 43.42% in 2023, a rise of +0.02pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 39.74% by 2025. Lebanon ranked 168th globally.
Lebanon’s labor force participation rate fell to 43.42 % in 2023, ranking 168th globally, and sits just below the 2022 trough of 43.40 % after a steady decline from the all‑time peak of 48.89 % recorded in 2019. The 34‑year series shows a contraction of more than five percentage points, reflecting prolonged economic distress, high inflation, and out‑migration that have eroded both formal and informal employment opportunities. Compared with peer economies, Lebanon’s participation is marginally lower than Samoa’s 43.44 % and notably below Morocco’s 44.22 %, underscoring a relative weakness in labor market engagement within the region. The post‑peak drop coincides with the country’s sovereign debt crisis and the 2020‑2021 financial collapse, which intensified labor market dislocation. If macro‑economic stabilization measures, such as fiscal reforms and investment incentives, succeed in restoring confidence, the participation rate could stabilize and possibly reverse its recent downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 38.24% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 39.74% | - | - |
| 2023 | 43.42% | +0.02pp | #168 |
| 2022 | 43.40% | −2.12pp | #168 |
| 2021 | 45.52% | −1.93pp | #165 |
| 2020 | 47.45% | −1.45pp | #165 |
| 2019 | 48.89% | +0.46pp | #165 |
| 2018 | 48.43% | +0.46pp | #165 |
| 2017 | 47.97% | +0.46pp | #164 |
| 2016 | 47.51% | +0.46pp | #167 |
| 2015 | 47.05% | +0.46pp | #167 |
| 2014 | 46.59% | +0.46pp | #168 |
| 2013 | 46.14% | +0.46pp | #170 |
| 2012 | 45.68% | +0.46pp | #170 |
| 2011 | 45.22% | +0.46pp | #171 |
| 2010 | 44.76% | +0.46pp | #171 |
| 2009 | 44.31% | +0.45pp | #171 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lebanon matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lebanon's labor force participation was 43.42% in 2023. Ranked 168th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Lebanon's labor force participation peaked at 48.89% in 2019.
The lowest labor force participation in Lebanon was 43.40% in 2007.
Lebanon ranks 168th globally in labor force participation as of 2023.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lebanon's labor force participation is projected to reach 39.74% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Lebanon in 2023 was 43.42%. This ranks 168th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lebanon_labor-force-participation,
title = {Lebanon Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lebanon/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}