Samoa Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Samoa's female labor participation was 30.74% in 2025, ranked 163rd globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Samoa's female labor participation stood at 30.74% in 2025, a decline of +0.41pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 29.88% by 2026. Samoa ranked 163rd globally.
Samoa's female labor participation rate has experienced a significant decline over the past three and a half decades, from an all-time peak of 43.10% in 1991 to 30.74% in 2025, a drop of approximately 12.36 percentage points. This decline places Samoa 163rd globally, ranking it below its peer countries Sri Lanka, which has a female labor participation rate of 30.99%, and Oman, which has a rate of 29.96%. The trend mirrors a broader regional pattern, with other Pacific Island nations also exhibiting declining female labor participation rates. The 1990s were a relatively stable period for Samoa, with a female labor participation rate of 43.03%, but the past few decades have seen a steady decline, indicating challenges in promoting women's participation in the workforce. A reversal of this trend would likely require significant investment in education and job training programs, as well as policies aimed at addressing cultural and social barriers to women's employment.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 28.78% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 29.33% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 29.88% | - | - |
| 2025 | 30.74% | −0.41pp | #163 |
| 2024 | 31.15% | −0.01pp | #162 |
| 2023 | 31.16% | +0.01pp | #162 |
| 2022 | 31.15% | −2.34pp | #163 |
| 2021 | 33.49% | −1.72pp | #161 |
| 2020 | 35.21% | −2.26pp | #159 |
| 2019 | 37.47% | −1.95pp | #157 |
| 2018 | 39.42% | −1.96pp | #153 |
| 2017 | 41.38% | −0.01pp | #148 |
| 2016 | 41.39% | −0.04pp | #148 |
| 2015 | 41.42% | −0.04pp | #149 |
| 2014 | 41.46% | +0.00pp | #149 |
| 2013 | 41.46% | +0.02pp | #147 |
| 2012 | 41.44% | +0.03pp | #147 |
| 2011 | 41.41% | −0.09pp | #145 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Samoa 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
Samoa's female labor participation was 30.74% in 2025. Ranked 163rd globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
Samoa's female labor participation peaked at 43.10% in 1991.
The lowest female labor participation in Samoa was 30.74% in 2025.
Samoa ranks 163rd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Samoa's female labor participation is projected to reach 29.88% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Samoa in 2025 was 30.74%. This ranks 163rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_samoa_female-labor-participation,
title = {Samoa Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/samoa/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}