Sweden Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Sweden's female labor participation was 61.54% in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sweden's female labor participation stood at 61.54% in 2025, a decline of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 62.02% by 2026. Sweden ranked 42nd globally.
Sweden’s female labor‑force participation has shown a modest decline since its all‑time peak of 62.80 % in 1990, slipping to a trough of 57.36 % in 1998 before stabilising at 61.54 % in 2025, which places the country 42nd globally. The 2025 figure is virtually identical to the participation rates of peer economies such as Lao PDR (61.56 %) and Timor‑Leste (61.68 %), underscoring a convergence among nations with comparable rankings despite differing institutional contexts. Over the 36‑year coverage period, Sweden’s participation rate has remained within a narrow band of roughly five percentage points, reflecting persistent structural factors such as high childcare costs and part‑time work preferences that temper further gains. Continued policy emphasis on affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements, and incentives for full‑time employment among women could reverse the slight downward drift and push the rate beyond its 1990 peak in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 62.48% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 62.25% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 62.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 61.54% | −0.14pp | #42 |
| 2024 | 61.68% | −0.01pp | #40 |
| 2023 | 61.69% | +0.64pp | #42 |
| 2022 | 61.05% | +0.35pp | #42 |
| 2021 | 60.70% | +0.12pp | #39 |
| 2020 | 60.59% | −0.73pp | #36 |
| 2019 | 61.32% | +0.06pp | #36 |
| 2018 | 61.26% | +0.22pp | #39 |
| 2017 | 61.04% | +0.34pp | #39 |
| 2016 | 60.69% | +0.13pp | #42 |
| 2015 | 60.56% | +0.28pp | #45 |
| 2014 | 60.28% | +0.15pp | #43 |
| 2013 | 60.13% | +0.41pp | #45 |
| 2012 | 59.72% | +0.19pp | #47 |
| 2011 | 59.53% | +0.55pp | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sweden matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. 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
Sweden's female labor participation was 61.54% in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Sweden's female labor participation peaked at 62.80% in 1990.
The lowest female labor participation in Sweden was 57.36% in 1998.
Sweden ranks 42nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sweden's female labor participation is projected to reach 62.02% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Sweden in 2025 was 61.54%. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sweden_female-labor-participation,
title = {Sweden Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sweden/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}