Montenegro Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Montenegro's labor force participation was 57.97% in 2025, ranked 117th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Montenegro's labor force participation stood at 57.97% in 2025, a decline of +0.27pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 62.41% by 2026. Montenegro ranked 117th globally.
Montenegro’s labor force participation has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 50.97 % in 1990 to 57.97 % in 2025, placing the country 117th globally. The upward trajectory culminated in an all‑time peak of 58.56 % in 2023, following a sharp trough of 48.10 % in 2021 that reflected the pandemic‑induced contraction in employment. Montenegro’s 2025 rate is marginally below its peak and narrowly exceeds the participation levels of peers such as Vanuatu (58.11 %) and Togo (57.84 %). The modest gain since the 2021 low suggests that post‑crisis recovery and gradual structural reforms have bolstered labor market attachment, yet the proximity to the peak indicates limited headroom for further expansion without significant policy interventions. Continued investment in skills development and incentives for female and older workers could lift participation beyond the current ceiling and sustain an upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.91% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 64.66% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 62.41% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.97% | −0.27pp | #117 |
| 2024 | 58.23% | −0.33pp | #116 |
| 2023 | 58.56% | +3.08pp | #115 |
| 2022 | 55.48% | +7.38pp | #135 |
| 2021 | 48.10% | −2.27pp | #161 |
| 2020 | 50.37% | −4.19pp | #156 |
| 2019 | 54.56% | +0.99pp | #140 |
| 2018 | 53.57% | +0.93pp | #147 |
| 2017 | 52.64% | −0.11pp | #152 |
| 2016 | 52.75% | +0.37pp | #151 |
| 2015 | 52.37% | +0.74pp | #151 |
| 2014 | 51.64% | +2.22pp | #150 |
| 2013 | 49.42% | −0.02pp | #159 |
| 2012 | 49.44% | +1.17pp | #159 |
| 2011 | 48.27% | +0.01pp | #164 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Montenegro 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
Montenegro's labor force participation was 57.97% in 2025. Ranked 117th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Montenegro's labor force participation peaked at 58.56% in 2023.
The lowest labor force participation in Montenegro was 48.10% in 2021.
Montenegro ranks 117th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Montenegro's labor force participation is projected to reach 62.41% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Montenegro in 2025 was 57.97%. This ranks 117th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_montenegro_labor-force-participation,
title = {Montenegro Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/montenegro/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}