South Sudan Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
South Sudan's labor force participation was 73.41% in 2023, ranked 23rd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2022. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2023.
Overview
South Sudan's labor force participation stood at 73.41% in 2023, a decline of +0.13pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 73.22% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 23rd globally.
South Sudan's labor force participation rate has experienced a relatively stable trajectory over the past three and a half decades, with a peak of 74.49% in 1997 and a trough of 73.23% in 2020. Despite the decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has maintained one of the higher labor force participation rates globally, ranking 23rd out of 184 countries in 2023 with a value of 73.41%. This places South Sudan above several of its regional peers, including the Central African Republic with a participation rate of 73.42%. Notably, the country's labor force participation rate remains higher than that of Peru and Viet Nam, which ranked 24th and 25th respectively in 2023. The stable trend in labor force participation in South Sudan suggests a robust labor market, however, a decline in economic growth and rising youth unemployment could potentially alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a decrease in labor force participation in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 73.15% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 73.22% | - | - |
| 2023 | 73.41% | −0.13pp | #23 |
| 2022 | 73.54% | +0.03pp | #23 |
| 2021 | 73.50% | +0.27pp | #20 |
| 2020 | 73.23% | −0.70pp | #20 |
| 2019 | 73.94% | −0.30pp | #22 |
| 2018 | 74.24% | −0.03pp | #21 |
| 2017 | 74.27% | +0.29pp | #19 |
| 2016 | 73.98% | +0.15pp | #20 |
| 2015 | 73.83% | +0.14pp | #21 |
| 2014 | 73.69% | +0.14pp | #21 |
| 2013 | 73.55% | −0.01pp | #22 |
| 2012 | 73.57% | −0.06pp | #22 |
| 2011 | 73.62% | −0.14pp | #23 |
| 2010 | 73.76% | −0.14pp | #22 |
| 2009 | 73.90% | −0.09pp | #22 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's labor force participation was 73.41% in 2023. Ranked 23rd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's labor force participation peaked at 74.49% in 1997.
The lowest labor force participation in South Sudan was 73.23% in 2020.
South Sudan ranks 23rd globally in labor force participation as of 2023.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's labor force participation is projected to reach 73.22% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of South Sudan in 2023 was 73.41%. This ranks 23rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_labor-force-participation,
title = {South Sudan Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}