North Macedonia Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
North Macedonia's female labor participation was 42.74% in 2025, ranked 139th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
North Macedonia's female labor participation stood at 42.74% in 2025, a decline of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 43.47% by 2026. North Macedonia ranked 139th globally.
North Macedonia’s female labour‑force participation has slipped from a 1991 peak of 45.67 % to an all‑time trough of 40.27 % in 1999, before stabilising at 42.74 % in 2025, placing the country 139th in the world. Over the 36‑year span the indicator has hovered just below the mid‑40s, reflecting a modest but persistent decline since the early 1990s despite broader regional gains in female employment. The latest figure is marginally higher than Guinea’s 42.65 % and close to Tonga’s 42.35 %, yet remains lower than Greece’s 44.67 % and the Kyrgyz Republic’s 44.14 %, underscoring a lag relative to some peers. Structural factors such as limited part‑time opportunities, enduring gender norms, and a relatively small service sector likely constrain further gains. Continued policy focus on flexible work arrangements, childcare provision, and incentives for women‑led entrepreneurship could reverse the downward drift and lift participation rates in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 44.33% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 43.90% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 43.47% | - | - |
| 2025 | 42.74% | −0.14pp | #139 |
| 2024 | 42.88% | +0.73pp | #139 |
| 2023 | 42.16% | −0.05pp | #144 |
| 2022 | 42.21% | +1.28pp | #145 |
| 2021 | 40.93% | −0.93pp | #148 |
| 2020 | 41.86% | −1.00pp | #143 |
| 2019 | 42.86% | +1.58pp | #144 |
| 2018 | 41.28% | +0.04pp | #148 |
| 2017 | 41.24% | +0.13pp | #149 |
| 2016 | 41.11% | −1.19pp | #149 |
| 2015 | 42.31% | −0.69pp | #146 |
| 2014 | 43.00% | −0.56pp | #144 |
| 2013 | 43.55% | +1.14pp | #136 |
| 2012 | 42.41% | −0.41pp | #143 |
| 2011 | 42.82% | +2.10pp | #138 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
North Macedonia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. 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
North Macedonia's female labor participation was 42.74% in 2025. Ranked 139th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
North Macedonia's female labor participation peaked at 45.67% in 1991.
The lowest female labor participation in North Macedonia was 40.28% in 1999.
North Macedonia ranks 139th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
North Macedonia's female labor participation is projected to reach 43.47% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of North Macedonia in 2025 was 42.74%. This ranks 139th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_north-macedonia_female-labor-participation,
title = {North Macedonia Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/north-macedonia/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}