Puerto Rico (US) Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Puerto Rico (US)'s female labor participation was 36.85% in 2025, ranked 158th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Puerto Rico (US)'s female labor participation stood at 36.85% in 2025, a rise of +0.17pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 37.25% by 2026. Puerto Rico (US) ranked 158th globally.
Puerto Rico's female labor participation rate has experienced a moderate fluctuation over the past three and a half decades, spanning from 30.61% in 1990 to 36.85% in 2025, with a peak of 37.92% in 2006. This indicator ranks Puerto Rico #158 globally, trailing countries such as Türkiye (37.15%) and Senegal (38.22%), while surpassing Saudi Arabia (33.57%). The island's labor market faces unique challenges, including a complex relationship with the United States and a history of economic recession. The 2006 peak, which coincided with a period of relative economic stability, highlights the importance of sustained economic growth in fostering female participation in the workforce. However, the recent decline from the peak suggests that the island's labor market faces ongoing challenges. A significant increase in female labor participation would likely require sustained economic growth, investments in education and training, and policies aimed at promoting work-life balance and addressing the island's unique demographic and economic challenges.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 37.90% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 37.58% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 37.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 36.85% | +0.17pp | #158 |
| 2024 | 36.68% | +0.39pp | #158 |
| 2023 | 36.29% | +0.37pp | #158 |
| 2022 | 35.92% | +0.32pp | #158 |
| 2021 | 35.60% | +1.80pp | #159 |
| 2020 | 33.80% | +0.51pp | #160 |
| 2019 | 33.29% | +0.29pp | #163 |
| 2018 | 33.00% | +0.50pp | #163 |
| 2017 | 32.50% | +0.27pp | #163 |
| 2016 | 32.23% | +0.36pp | #163 |
| 2015 | 31.88% | +0.01pp | #162 |
| 2014 | 31.87% | −0.62pp | #162 |
| 2013 | 32.48% | −0.27pp | #162 |
| 2012 | 32.76% | −0.27pp | #160 |
| 2011 | 33.03% | −0.83pp | #161 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Puerto Rico (US) matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 1981. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Puerto Rico (US)'s female labor participation was 36.85% in 2025. Ranked 158th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Puerto Rico (US)'s female labor participation peaked at 37.92% in 2006.
The lowest female labor participation in Puerto Rico (US) was 30.61% in 1990.
Puerto Rico (US) ranks 158th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Puerto Rico (US)'s female labor participation is projected to reach 37.25% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Puerto Rico (US) in 2025 was 36.85%. This ranks 158th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_puerto-rico-us_female-labor-participation,
title = {Puerto Rico (US) Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/puerto-rico-us/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}