Portugal Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Portugal's female labor participation was 54.63% in 2025, ranked 83rd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Portugal's female labor participation stood at 54.63% in 2025, a decline of +0.26pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.56% by 2026. Portugal ranked 83rd globally.
Portugal's female labor participation rate has fluctuated over the past three-and-a-half decades, with a notable peak in 2007 at 55.92% and a trough in 1990 at 48.05%. Since then, the rate has generally trended upward, though at a slowing pace. As of 2025, Portugal ranks 83rd globally with a female labor participation rate of 54.63%. Compared to peer countries, Portugal lags behind Namibia, which has a slightly higher rate of 54.92%. Notably, Portugal's female labor participation rate has yet to surpass its 2007 peak, indicating a stalled recovery. This stagnation may be attributed to various factors, including demographic changes and the lingering effects of the 2008 global financial crisis. The trajectory of Portugal's female labor participation rate is likely to continue its slow ascent, potentially accelerating with the implementation of policies aimed at promoting women's participation in the workforce and addressing the country's aging population.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 56.47% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 56.01% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 55.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 54.63% | −0.26pp | #83 |
| 2024 | 54.89% | +0.17pp | #83 |
| 2023 | 54.72% | +0.92pp | #85 |
| 2022 | 53.80% | +0.91pp | #87 |
| 2021 | 52.89% | −0.27pp | #90 |
| 2020 | 53.16% | −1.35pp | #86 |
| 2019 | 54.51% | +0.17pp | #82 |
| 2018 | 54.34% | +0.31pp | #85 |
| 2017 | 54.03% | +0.54pp | #86 |
| 2016 | 53.48% | −0.22pp | #90 |
| 2015 | 53.70% | −0.08pp | #88 |
| 2014 | 53.78% | −0.38pp | #85 |
| 2013 | 54.16% | −0.52pp | #79 |
| 2012 | 54.67% | +0.05pp | #76 |
| 2011 | 54.62% | −1.21pp | #74 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Portugal matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. 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
Portugal's female labor participation was 54.63% in 2025. Ranked 83rd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Portugal's female labor participation peaked at 55.92% in 2007.
The lowest female labor participation in Portugal was 48.05% in 1990.
Portugal ranks 83rd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Portugal's female labor participation is projected to reach 55.56% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Portugal in 2025 was 54.63%. This ranks 83rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_portugal_female-labor-participation,
title = {Portugal Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/portugal/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}