Uruguay Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Uruguay's female labor participation was 57.26% in 2025, ranked 63rd globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Uruguay's female labor participation stood at 57.26% in 2025, a decline of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.76% by 2026. Uruguay ranked 63rd globally.
Uruguay’s female labor participation has risen steadily over the 36‑year series, climbing from a trough of 42.57 % in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 57.26 % in 2024, the same level recorded in the latest 2025 estimate that places the country 63rd globally. The upward trajectory reflects gradual improvements in access to education, childcare support and flexible work arrangements, which have narrowed the gender gap in the labor market. Uruguay’s 2025 rate is marginally below that of the United Kingdom (57.33 %) and Rwanda (57.30 %), but ahead of South Korea (56.78 %) and Belarus (56.77 %). The consistency of gains suggests that policy continuity and demographic factors, such as a relatively young female population, have reinforced participation. Continued expansion of paid parental leave and incentives for part‑time employment could sustain the current momentum, potentially pushing Uruguay into the top‑fifty rankings within the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 58.57% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 58.17% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.76% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.26% | −0.01pp | #63 |
| 2024 | 57.26% | +0.75pp | #62 |
| 2023 | 56.52% | +0.86pp | #69 |
| 2022 | 55.66% | −0.38pp | #72 |
| 2021 | 56.03% | +1.80pp | #66 |
| 2020 | 54.23% | −1.77pp | #80 |
| 2019 | 56.00% | +0.05pp | #70 |
| 2018 | 55.95% | −0.10pp | #67 |
| 2017 | 56.06% | −0.28pp | #67 |
| 2016 | 56.34% | +0.04pp | #63 |
| 2015 | 56.30% | −0.60pp | #61 |
| 2014 | 56.90% | +1.57pp | #58 |
| 2013 | 55.33% | −1.16pp | #73 |
| 2012 | 56.49% | −0.35pp | #65 |
| 2011 | 56.84% | +1.93pp | #63 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uruguay matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2020. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uruguay's female labor participation was 57.26% in 2025. Ranked 63rd globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Uruguay's female labor participation peaked at 57.26% in 2024.
The lowest female labor participation in Uruguay was 42.57% in 1990.
Uruguay ranks 63rd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uruguay's female labor participation is projected to reach 57.76% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Uruguay in 2025 was 57.26%. This ranks 63rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uruguay_female-labor-participation,
title = {Uruguay Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uruguay/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}