Somalia, Fed. Rep. Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Somalia, Fed. Rep.'s labor force participation was 33.85% in 2025, ranked 178th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Somalia, Fed. Rep.'s labor force participation stood at 33.85% in 2025, a decline of +0.05pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 33.92% by 2026. Somalia, Fed. Rep. ranked 178th globally.
Somalia's labor force participation rate has exhibited a relatively stable trend over the past 36 years, with the exception of a notable decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's labor force participation rate peaked at 34.50% in 2008, before experiencing a slight decrease to 34.00% in 1990 and a further decline to 33.71% in 2020. However, Somalia's labor force participation rate has since recovered, standing at 33.85% as of 2025, ranking it 178th globally. This rate is closest to that of the Syrian Arab Republic, which boasts a slightly higher rate of 36.90%. The low labor force participation rate in Somalia may be attributed to various factors, including a lack of economic opportunities and security concerns. To alter this trajectory, Somalia would need to address these underlying issues and invest in initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 33.96% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 33.94% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 33.92% | - | - |
| 2025 | 33.85% | −0.05pp | #178 |
| 2024 | 33.90% | −0.01pp | #178 |
| 2023 | 33.91% | −0.01pp | #180 |
| 2022 | 33.92% | +0.19pp | #182 |
| 2021 | 33.73% | +0.03pp | #183 |
| 2020 | 33.71% | −0.32pp | #183 |
| 2019 | 34.03% | −0.03pp | #183 |
| 2018 | 34.06% | −0.04pp | #183 |
| 2017 | 34.10% | −0.03pp | #183 |
| 2016 | 34.14% | −0.02pp | #183 |
| 2015 | 34.16% | −0.02pp | #183 |
| 2014 | 34.18% | −0.02pp | #184 |
| 2013 | 34.20% | −0.03pp | #184 |
| 2012 | 34.23% | −0.10pp | #184 |
| 2011 | 34.34% | −0.10pp | #184 |
Analysis
Somalia, Fed. Rep.'s labor force participation was 33.85% in 2025, a decline of −0.05pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 33.92% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Somalia, Fed. Rep.'s labor force participation was 33.85% in 2025. Ranked 178th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Somalia, Fed. Rep.'s labor force participation peaked at 34.50% in 2008.
The lowest labor force participation in Somalia, Fed. Rep. was 33.71% in 2020.
Somalia, Fed. Rep. ranks 178th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Somalia, Fed. Rep.'s labor force participation is projected to reach 33.92% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Somalia, Fed. Rep. in 2025 was 33.85%. This ranks 178th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_somalia-fed-rep_labor-force-participation,
title = {Somalia, Fed. Rep. Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/somalia-fed-rep/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}