Moldova Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Moldova's labor force participation was 72.29% in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Moldova's labor force participation stood at 72.29% in 2025, a rise of +0.13pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 71.81% by 2026. Moldova ranked 24th globally.
Moldova’s labor force participation has risen markedly since the earliest World Bank observation in 1990, when 58.44 % of the working‑age population was active, to 72.29 % in 2025, placing the country 24th globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after a pronounced trough of 54.81 % in 2005, reflecting the post‑transition shock of the early 2000s, and continued to improve until reaching an all‑time peak of 72.53 % in 2022. This recent level is comparable to peers such as Peru (72.86 %) and Viet Nam (72.78 %), suggesting that Moldova has joined a group of emerging economies where labor market integration is nearing saturation. The sustained increase over the 36‑year series indicates structural gains in employment opportunities and demographic shifts, yet the modest gap between the 2022 peak and the 2025 figure hints at a possible plateau. Continued policy focus on skill development and flexible work arrangements will be crucial to extend participation beyond the current ceiling.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 71.65% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 71.73% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 71.81% | - | - |
| 2025 | 72.29% | +0.13pp | #24 |
| 2024 | 72.16% | +1.37pp | #24 |
| 2023 | 70.79% | −1.74pp | #27 |
| 2022 | 72.53% | +0.02pp | #25 |
| 2021 | 72.51% | +2.83pp | #23 |
| 2020 | 69.68% | +0.35pp | #25 |
| 2019 | 69.33% | +2.28pp | #33 |
| 2018 | 67.05% | −1.28pp | #46 |
| 2017 | 68.33% | −1.58pp | #39 |
| 2016 | 69.91% | −0.31pp | #32 |
| 2015 | 70.22% | +0.95pp | #31 |
| 2014 | 69.27% | +4.02pp | #35 |
| 2013 | 65.25% | +0.46pp | #59 |
| 2012 | 64.79% | +0.39pp | #64 |
| 2011 | 64.40% | +1.03pp | #62 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Moldova matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Moldova's labor force participation was 72.29% in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Moldova's labor force participation peaked at 72.53% in 2022.
The lowest labor force participation in Moldova was 54.82% in 2005.
Moldova ranks 24th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Moldova's labor force participation is projected to reach 71.81% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Moldova in 2025 was 72.29%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_moldova_labor-force-participation,
title = {Moldova Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/moldova/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}