Sudan Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Sudan's labor force participation was 37.52% in 2022, ranked 180th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2021. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2022.
Overview
Sudan's labor force participation stood at 37.52% in 2022, a decline of +0.83pp from 2021. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 34.50% by 2025. Sudan ranked 180th globally.
Sudan's labor force participation rate has experienced a significant decline over the past three decades, from an all-time peak of 51.77% in 1996 to a current rate of 37.52% in 2022, ranking 180th globally. This downward trend, which has persisted for over two decades, is also evident when comparing Sudan to its peer countries, such as Afghanistan, which maintains a relatively stable rate of 37.64%. The steep decline in labor force participation can be attributed to various factors, including conflict, poverty, and limited economic opportunities. Specifically, the 2022 rate is the lowest ever recorded, surpassing the previous trough of 44.82% in 2016. In comparison, other countries in the region, such as Tajikistan, have managed to maintain relatively higher labor force participation rates, reaching 37.83% in 2022. A sustained and stable peace, combined with effective economic policies, would be essential to reversing this trend and improving labor force participation in Sudan.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 34.50% | - | - |
| 2022 | 37.52% | −0.83pp | #180 |
| 2021 | 38.35% | −0.77pp | #180 |
| 2020 | 39.12% | −1.25pp | #179 |
| 2019 | 40.37% | −0.98pp | #177 |
| 2018 | 41.35% | −1.06pp | #175 |
| 2017 | 42.41% | −1.11pp | #174 |
| 2016 | 43.51% | −1.10pp | #172 |
| 2015 | 44.61% | −1.10pp | #171 |
| 2014 | 45.72% | −1.09pp | #170 |
| 2013 | 46.81% | −1.03pp | #168 |
| 2012 | 47.84% | −0.95pp | #167 |
| 2011 | 48.79% | +0.04pp | #161 |
| 2010 | 48.74% | +0.05pp | #162 |
| 2009 | 48.69% | +0.23pp | #158 |
| 2008 | 48.46% | −0.35pp | #162 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sudan matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sudan's labor force participation was 37.52% in 2022. Ranked 180th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
Sudan's labor force participation peaked at 51.77% in 1996.
The lowest labor force participation in Sudan was 37.52% in 2022.
Sudan ranks 180th globally in labor force participation as of 2022.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sudan's labor force participation is projected to reach 34.50% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Sudan in 2022 was 37.52%. This ranks 180th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sudan_labor-force-participation,
title = {Sudan Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sudan/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}