North Macedonia Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
North Macedonia's labor force participation was 51.94% in 2025, ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
North Macedonia's labor force participation stood at 51.94% in 2025, a decline of +0.27pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 52.06% by 2026. North Macedonia ranked 153rd globally.
North Macedonia’s labor force participation rate has slipped from a post‑communist high of 56.27 % in 1991 to 51.94 % in 2025, placing the country 153rd in the world and just below Greece’s 51.96 % and Romania’s 51.33 % in the latest rankings. The downward trajectory accelerated after the 2000s, reaching an all‑time trough of 51.62 % in 2021 before a modest rebound to the 2025 level. Over the 36‑year span, the decline reflects structural shifts such as aging demographics, persistent gender gaps, and limited job creation in sectors traditionally employing large segments of the working‑age population. Compared with peers, North Macedonia’s participation remains marginally lower than Greece yet slightly above Romania, suggesting that regional labor market dynamics exert a comparable influence. Continued reforms aimed at improving skill alignment, expanding flexible work arrangements, and encouraging higher female participation could reverse the modest decline and sustain a gradual upward trend in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 52.04% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.05% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.94% | −0.27pp | #153 |
| 2024 | 52.20% | +0.45pp | #151 |
| 2023 | 51.75% | −1.17pp | #154 |
| 2022 | 52.93% | +1.31pp | #148 |
| 2021 | 51.62% | −0.49pp | #153 |
| 2020 | 52.11% | −0.92pp | #146 |
| 2019 | 53.02% | +0.23pp | #145 |
| 2018 | 52.80% | −0.36pp | #149 |
| 2017 | 53.16% | −0.28pp | #149 |
| 2016 | 53.44% | −0.56pp | #146 |
| 2015 | 54.00% | −0.61pp | #146 |
| 2014 | 54.61% | −0.05pp | #143 |
| 2013 | 54.67% | +0.39pp | #140 |
| 2012 | 54.27% | −0.25pp | #140 |
| 2011 | 54.53% | +1.34pp | #139 |
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 labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
North Macedonia's labor force participation was 51.94% in 2025. Ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
North Macedonia's labor force participation peaked at 56.27% in 1991.
The lowest labor force participation in North Macedonia was 51.62% in 2021.
North Macedonia ranks 153rd globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
North Macedonia's labor force participation is projected to reach 52.06% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of North Macedonia in 2025 was 51.94%. This ranks 153rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_north-macedonia_labor-force-participation,
title = {North Macedonia Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/north-macedonia/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}