Timor-Leste Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Timor-Leste's labor force participation was 66.98% in 2025, ranked 44th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's labor force participation stood at 66.98% in 2025, a rise of +0.22pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 67.04% by 2026. Timor-Leste ranked 44th globally.
Timor‑Leste’s labor force participation rate has fallen from a high of 72.65 % in 1999 to a low of 65.92 % in 2020, before rising modestly to 66.98 % in 2025, placing the country 44th globally. The 36‑year series shows a gradual downward trend after the late‑1990s peak, reflecting structural shifts such as urban migration, a growing informal sector and demographic ageing that have reduced the share of the working‑age population engaged in economic activity. The 2025 figure is marginally above Cyprus (66.96 %) and just below Switzerland (66.75 %), indicating that Timor‑Leste’s participation rate now aligns with middle‑income economies despite its lower income status. The modest rebound since the 2020 trough suggests that recent policy efforts to expand vocational training and improve female labour market access are beginning to take effect. Continued investment in skills development and formal job creation will be critical to sustain any upward momentum and prevent a return to the trough level.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.28% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 67.16% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 67.04% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.98% | +0.22pp | #44 |
| 2024 | 66.76% | +0.19pp | #47 |
| 2023 | 66.58% | +0.02pp | #49 |
| 2022 | 66.56% | +0.09pp | #47 |
| 2021 | 66.47% | +0.55pp | #42 |
| 2020 | 65.92% | −0.59pp | #44 |
| 2019 | 66.51% | −0.69pp | #48 |
| 2018 | 67.20% | +0.15pp | #45 |
| 2017 | 67.06% | +0.24pp | #44 |
| 2016 | 66.82% | −0.06pp | #46 |
| 2015 | 66.88% | −0.10pp | #47 |
| 2014 | 66.98% | −0.18pp | #46 |
| 2013 | 67.16% | −0.10pp | #45 |
| 2012 | 67.26% | −0.15pp | #46 |
| 2011 | 67.41% | −0.24pp | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. 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
Timor-Leste's labor force participation was 66.98% in 2025. Ranked 44th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's labor force participation peaked at 72.65% in 1999.
The lowest labor force participation in Timor-Leste was 65.92% in 2020.
Timor-Leste ranks 44th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Timor-Leste's labor force participation is projected to reach 67.04% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Timor-Leste in 2025 was 66.98%. This ranks 44th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_labor-force-participation,
title = {Timor-Leste Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}