Nicaragua Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Nicaragua's labor force participation was 66.07% in 2025, ranked 52nd globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's labor force participation stood at 66.07% in 2025, a rise of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.39% by 2026. Nicaragua ranked 52nd globally.
Nicaragua’s labor force participation rate has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from a low of 57.74% in 1993 to an all‑time high of 66.07% in 2025, the latest figure reported by the World Bank. This 8.33‑percentage‑point increase reflects gradual expansion of employment opportunities and higher female activity, while the country’s rank of 52nd globally places it close to peers such as Lao PDR (66.09%) and Malaysia (66.12%). The upward trajectory contrasts with the early‑1990s trough and suggests that structural reforms and demographic shifts have been effective in drawing a larger share of the working‑age population into the labor market. Continued improvements in education, formal sector growth, and investment in productive industries could sustain the positive momentum, whereas adverse shocks to the informal economy or fiscal constraints might temper future gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.79% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.59% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66.39% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.07% | +0.04pp | #52 |
| 2024 | 66.03% | +0.14pp | #51 |
| 2023 | 65.89% | +0.25pp | #54 |
| 2022 | 65.64% | +0.38pp | #54 |
| 2021 | 65.26% | +0.89pp | #56 |
| 2020 | 64.36% | −0.63pp | #57 |
| 2019 | 65.00% | −0.16pp | #62 |
| 2018 | 65.16% | −0.18pp | #65 |
| 2017 | 65.33% | +0.12pp | #59 |
| 2016 | 65.21% | +0.12pp | #60 |
| 2015 | 65.10% | +0.13pp | #63 |
| 2014 | 64.97% | +0.33pp | #61 |
| 2013 | 64.64% | +0.33pp | #65 |
| 2012 | 64.30% | +0.34pp | #68 |
| 2011 | 63.97% | +0.34pp | #64 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. 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
Nicaragua's labor force participation was 66.07% in 2025. Ranked 52nd globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Nicaragua's labor force participation peaked at 66.07% in 2025.
The lowest labor force participation in Nicaragua was 57.74% in 1993.
Nicaragua ranks 52nd globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nicaragua's labor force participation is projected to reach 66.39% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Nicaragua in 2025 was 66.07%. This ranks 52nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_labor-force-participation,
title = {Nicaragua Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}