Tonga Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Tonga's female labor participation was 42.35% in 2025, ranked 141st globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Tonga's female labor participation stood at 42.35% in 2025, a decline of +0.15pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 42.35% by 2026. Tonga ranked 141st globally.
Tonga’s female labor force participation has risen modestly over the 36‑year span from 36.29 % in 1990 to 42.35 % in 2025, placing the kingdom at 141st in the global ranking. The indicator peaked early, reaching 45.47 % in 1994 before retreating to the 1990 trough, after which a gradual upward trajectory resumed. Compared with peers of similar rank, Tonga’s rate is slightly below Guinea’s 42.65 % and North Macedonia’s 42.74 %, yet marginally above Bahrain’s 42.29 % and Romania’s 41.81 %. The sustained increase reflects incremental improvements in women’s access to employment, though structural constraints such as limited formal sector jobs and cultural norms continue to temper progress. Continued investment in skill development and policies that promote work‑life balance could accelerate participation, potentially moving Tonga above its regional peers in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 42.23% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 42.29% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 42.35% | - | - |
| 2025 | 42.35% | −0.15pp | #141 |
| 2024 | 42.50% | −0.12pp | #141 |
| 2023 | 42.62% | +0.00pp | #141 |
| 2022 | 42.62% | +0.02pp | #142 |
| 2021 | 42.60% | +0.32pp | #140 |
| 2020 | 42.28% | −0.37pp | #142 |
| 2019 | 42.65% | +0.04pp | #145 |
| 2018 | 42.61% | −0.17pp | #146 |
| 2017 | 42.77% | −0.16pp | #145 |
| 2016 | 42.94% | −0.15pp | #144 |
| 2015 | 43.08% | −0.13pp | #143 |
| 2014 | 43.21% | −0.11pp | #142 |
| 2013 | 43.32% | −0.11pp | #139 |
| 2012 | 43.43% | −0.09pp | #137 |
| 2011 | 43.52% | −0.11pp | #135 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's female labor participation was 42.35% in 2025. Ranked 141st globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Tonga's female labor participation peaked at 45.47% in 1994.
The lowest female labor participation in Tonga was 36.29% in 1990.
Tonga ranks 141st globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tonga's female labor participation is projected to reach 42.35% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Tonga in 2025 was 42.35%. This ranks 141st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_female-labor-participation,
title = {Tonga Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}