Malta Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Malta's female labor participation was 55.80% in 2025, ranked 75th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Malta's female labor participation stood at 55.80% in 2025, a decline of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.27% by 2026. Malta ranked 75th globally.
Malta’s female labour‑force participation has risen sharply over the past 36 years, climbing from a trough of 26.83 % in 1990 to a peak of 55.89 % in 2024 and standing at 55.80 % in 2025, which places the country 75th globally. This upward trajectory mirrors broader European advances in gender‑inclusive employment, yet Malta’s level remains marginally below that of its peer Japan, which recorded 55.91 % in the same period, and slightly above Germany’s 55.29 %. The rapid increase since the early 1990s reflects policy reforms such as expanded childcare provision and incentives for part‑time work, while the near‑plateau between 2024 and 2025 suggests the market may be approaching a saturation point under current conditions. Continued gains will likely depend on further structural changes, including higher representation of women in senior roles and the diffusion of flexible‑working arrangements, which could push participation beyond the current ceiling.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 58.82% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 58.05% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.27% | - | - |
| 2025 | 55.80% | −0.09pp | #75 |
| 2024 | 55.89% | +0.37pp | #74 |
| 2023 | 55.53% | +0.22pp | #79 |
| 2022 | 55.31% | +3.09pp | #75 |
| 2021 | 52.22% | +0.97pp | #94 |
| 2020 | 51.25% | +1.92pp | #96 |
| 2019 | 49.33% | +1.11pp | #118 |
| 2018 | 48.21% | +2.06pp | #128 |
| 2017 | 46.16% | +1.51pp | #127 |
| 2016 | 44.65% | +1.63pp | #138 |
| 2015 | 43.02% | +0.76pp | #144 |
| 2014 | 42.26% | +1.54pp | #145 |
| 2013 | 40.72% | +2.04pp | #150 |
| 2012 | 38.68% | +3.12pp | #154 |
| 2011 | 35.56% | +1.21pp | #156 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malta's female labor participation was 55.80% in 2025. Ranked 75th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Malta's female labor participation peaked at 55.89% in 2024.
The lowest female labor participation in Malta was 26.83% in 1990.
Malta ranks 75th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's female labor participation is projected to reach 57.27% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Malta in 2025 was 55.80%. This ranks 75th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_female-labor-participation,
title = {Malta Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}