Macao SAR, China Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Macao SAR, China's labor force participation was 67.85% in 2025, ranked 36th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Macao SAR, China's labor force participation stood at 67.85% in 2025, a decline of +0.43pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 67.78% by 2026. Macao SAR, China ranked 36th globally.
Macao SAR’s labor‑force participation rate has risen steadily from 57.85 % in 1990, the all‑time trough, to a peak of 71.40 % in 2014, before moderating to 67.85 % in 2025, placing the territory 36th globally. The post‑peak decline reflects a combination of demographic ageing and a shift toward service‑oriented employment that has reduced the share of working‑age residents in the labor market. Compared with peers of similar rank, Macao’s rate is marginally lower than Indonesia’s 67.97 % and slightly above the Republic of Congo’s 67.83 % in the same year, underscoring a competitive but not leading position in labor‑force engagement. The 36‑year coverage shows that the upward trajectory of the 1990s and early 2000s gave way to a plateau after 2014, suggesting that future participation will depend on policies that encourage higher female employment, extend working ages, and attract skilled migrants to sustain or raise the current level.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.67% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 67.73% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 67.78% | - | - |
| 2025 | 67.85% | −0.43pp | #36 |
| 2024 | 68.28% | +0.31pp | #34 |
| 2023 | 67.97% | +1.32pp | #36 |
| 2022 | 66.65% | −2.28pp | #46 |
| 2021 | 68.92% | +0.25pp | #33 |
| 2020 | 68.67% | −1.12pp | #31 |
| 2019 | 69.79% | −0.29pp | #30 |
| 2018 | 70.08% | +0.22pp | #32 |
| 2017 | 69.86% | −0.20pp | #31 |
| 2016 | 70.06% | −0.74pp | #30 |
| 2015 | 70.81% | −0.60pp | #28 |
| 2014 | 71.40% | +0.54pp | #27 |
| 2013 | 70.86% | +0.12pp | #29 |
| 2012 | 70.74% | −0.13pp | #30 |
| 2011 | 70.87% | +0.88pp | #30 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Macao SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. 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
Macao SAR, China's labor force participation was 67.85% in 2025. Ranked 36th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
Macao SAR, China's labor force participation peaked at 71.40% in 2014.
The lowest labor force participation in Macao SAR, China was 57.85% in 1990.
Macao SAR, China ranks 36th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Macao SAR, China's labor force participation is projected to reach 67.78% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Macao SAR, China in 2025 was 67.85%. This ranks 36th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_macao-sar-china_labor-force-participation,
title = {Macao SAR, China Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/macao-sar-china/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}