Spain Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Spain's female labor participation was 52.83% in 2025, ranked 95th globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Spain's female labor participation stood at 52.83% in 2025, a decline of +0.37pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.31% by 2026. Spain ranked 95th globally.
Spain's female labor participation rate has shown a remarkable improvement over the past three and a half decades, with the rate increasing from 33.35% in 1990 to a peak of 53.20% in 2024. This represents a significant increase of nearly 60% in the span of 34 years. Despite reaching a new all-time high in 2024, Spain's female labor participation rate still lags behind some of its peer countries, such as Chile, where the rate stands at 52.89%. In 2025, Spain's rate stands at 52.83%, ranking 95th globally. The steady rise in female labor participation in Spain suggests a gradual shift towards gender equality in the workforce, although the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years. A sustained increase in female workforce participation would likely require significant investments in education and childcare infrastructure, as well as a more supportive policy environment, to unlock the full potential of Spain's female workforce and propel the country towards a more equitable labor market.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 53.76% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 53.53% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 53.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 52.83% | −0.37pp | #95 |
| 2024 | 53.20% | +0.42pp | #92 |
| 2023 | 52.77% | +0.49pp | #96 |
| 2022 | 52.28% | +0.10pp | #99 |
| 2021 | 52.18% | +1.26pp | #96 |
| 2020 | 50.92% | −1.12pp | #99 |
| 2019 | 52.04% | +0.17pp | #102 |
| 2018 | 51.87% | −0.41pp | #100 |
| 2017 | 52.28% | −0.20pp | #95 |
| 2016 | 52.49% | −0.13pp | #94 |
| 2015 | 52.62% | −0.01pp | #92 |
| 2014 | 52.63% | −0.20pp | #92 |
| 2013 | 52.83% | −0.06pp | #91 |
| 2012 | 52.90% | +0.61pp | #89 |
| 2011 | 52.29% | +0.58pp | #94 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Spain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. 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
Spain's female labor participation was 52.83% in 2025. Ranked 95th globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from the previous year.
Spain's female labor participation peaked at 53.20% in 2024.
The lowest female labor participation in Spain was 33.35% in 1990.
Spain ranks 95th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Spain's female labor participation is projected to reach 53.31% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Spain in 2025 was 52.83%. This ranks 95th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_spain_female-labor-participation,
title = {Spain Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/spain/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}