Panama Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Panama's female labor participation was 54.94% in 2025, ranked 81st globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Panama's female labor participation stood at 54.94% in 2025, a rise of +0.10pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.13% by 2026. Panama ranked 81st globally.
Panama's female labor participation rate has experienced a steady increase over the past three and a half decades, although the country still lags behind several of its peers. Since 1990, the rate has risen from a low of 32.40% to a peak of 56.34% in 2019, before slightly declining to 54.94% in 2025. This growth is notable, especially when compared to peer countries such as Austria, which boasts a higher female labor participation rate of 55.06%. Despite the progress made, Panama's female labor participation rate still ranks 81 globally, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote women's participation in the workforce. A sustained focus on education and job opportunities, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors, will be crucial in driving this trend forward.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 60.09% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 58.61% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.13% | - | - |
| 2025 | 54.94% | +0.10pp | #81 |
| 2024 | 54.83% | +2.14pp | #84 |
| 2023 | 52.69% | +0.56pp | #97 |
| 2022 | 52.14% | +3.24pp | #101 |
| 2021 | 48.89% | −7.04pp | #117 |
| 2020 | 55.93% | −0.41pp | #66 |
| 2019 | 56.35% | +1.84pp | #66 |
| 2018 | 54.50% | +2.26pp | #81 |
| 2017 | 52.25% | +0.09pp | #96 |
| 2016 | 52.16% | +0.67pp | #95 |
| 2015 | 51.49% | +0.82pp | #100 |
| 2014 | 50.66% | +0.45pp | #105 |
| 2013 | 50.21% | +1.54pp | #107 |
| 2012 | 48.67% | +2.51pp | #115 |
| 2011 | 46.16% | −2.20pp | #124 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. 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
Panama's female labor participation was 54.94% in 2025. Ranked 81st globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Panama's female labor participation peaked at 56.35% in 2019.
The lowest female labor participation in Panama was 32.40% in 1990.
Panama ranks 81st globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Panama's female labor participation is projected to reach 57.13% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Panama in 2025 was 54.94%. This ranks 81st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_female-labor-participation,
title = {Panama Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}