Trinidad and Tobago Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Trinidad and Tobago's labor force participation was 57.75% in 2025, ranked 119th globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Trinidad and Tobago's labor force participation stood at 57.75% in 2025, a decline of +0.40pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 58.24% by 2026. Trinidad and Tobago ranked 119th globally.
Trinidad and Tobago’s labor force participation rate has slipped from a 1990 level of 59.03% to 57.75% in 2025, placing the nation at 119th in the world. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 66.54% in 2006, before a gradual decline that culminated in a trough of 57.63% in 2021, essentially matching the current figure. Over the 36‑year series, participation has remained modestly lower than peer economies such as Costa Rica (57.66%) and Montenegro (57.97%). The downward trajectory reflects structural shifts in the domestic economy, including a shrinking manufacturing base and limited growth in high‑skill services, which have constrained the proportion of the working‑age population engaged in employment or active job search. Continued diversification toward sectors with higher labor demand and policies that improve female and youth labour market attachment could arrest the decline and modestly raise participation in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 58.25% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 58.25% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 58.24% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.75% | −0.40pp | #119 |
| 2024 | 58.15% | −1.12pp | #117 |
| 2023 | 59.27% | +0.92pp | #110 |
| 2022 | 58.35% | +0.72pp | #118 |
| 2021 | 57.63% | −1.01pp | #119 |
| 2020 | 58.64% | −2.05pp | #106 |
| 2019 | 60.69% | −0.46pp | #98 |
| 2018 | 61.15% | −0.41pp | #94 |
| 2017 | 61.56% | −0.48pp | #87 |
| 2016 | 62.04% | −1.00pp | #86 |
| 2015 | 63.05% | −0.86pp | #76 |
| 2014 | 63.90% | +0.23pp | #71 |
| 2013 | 63.67% | +0.05pp | #72 |
| 2012 | 63.62% | +0.84pp | #72 |
| 2011 | 62.78% | −1.03pp | #78 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Trinidad and Tobago matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2014. 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
Trinidad and Tobago's labor force participation was 57.75% in 2025. Ranked 119th globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from the previous year.
Trinidad and Tobago's labor force participation peaked at 66.54% in 2006.
The lowest labor force participation in Trinidad and Tobago was 57.63% in 2021.
Trinidad and Tobago ranks 119th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Trinidad and Tobago's labor force participation is projected to reach 58.24% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Trinidad and Tobago in 2025 was 57.75%. This ranks 119th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_trinidad-and-tobago_labor-force-participation,
title = {Trinidad and Tobago Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/trinidad-and-tobago/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}