Sweden Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Sweden's labor force participation was 64.60% in 2025, ranked 65th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sweden's labor force participation stood at 64.60% in 2025, a decline of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.90% by 2026. Sweden ranked 65th globally.
Sweden’s labor force participation rate has fallen from its all‑time peak of 67.03 % in 1990 to a trough of 61.99 % in 2000, before modestly rebounding to 64.59 % in 2025, placing the country 65th globally. The 9.4‑percentage‑point decline over the 1990s reflects broader structural shifts, including aging demographics and higher female educational attainment, which initially reduced the proportion of the working‑age population actively employed or seeking work. The subsequent recovery has been driven by policy measures such as flexible working arrangements and active labor‑market programs that have helped re‑engage older workers and increase part‑time participation. Sweden’s 2025 figure is closely aligned with peers such as Barbados (64.69 %) and China (64.55 %), underscoring a convergence among nations with differing economic structures. Continued emphasis on lifelong learning and incentives for older workers could further lift participation rates, potentially reversing the long‑term downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 65.11% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 65.01% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 64.90% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.60% | −0.14pp | #65 |
| 2024 | 64.74% | −0.20pp | #66 |
| 2023 | 64.93% | +0.37pp | #64 |
| 2022 | 64.56% | +0.38pp | #65 |
| 2021 | 64.18% | +0.02pp | #60 |
| 2020 | 64.15% | −0.43pp | #58 |
| 2019 | 64.58% | +0.08pp | #67 |
| 2018 | 64.50% | +0.11pp | #68 |
| 2017 | 64.39% | +0.31pp | #67 |
| 2016 | 64.08% | +0.16pp | #70 |
| 2015 | 63.92% | +0.02pp | #71 |
| 2014 | 63.90% | +0.04pp | #73 |
| 2013 | 63.85% | +0.33pp | #71 |
| 2012 | 63.53% | −0.00pp | #73 |
| 2011 | 63.53% | +0.34pp | #68 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sweden matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweden's labor force participation was 64.60% in 2025. Ranked 65th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Sweden's labor force participation peaked at 67.03% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Sweden was 61.99% in 2000.
Sweden ranks 65th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sweden's labor force participation is projected to reach 64.90% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Sweden in 2025 was 64.60%. This ranks 65th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sweden_labor-force-participation,
title = {Sweden Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sweden/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}