Uruguay Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Uruguay's labor force participation was 64.99% in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Uruguay's labor force participation stood at 64.99% in 2025, a decline of +0.03pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.94% by 2026. Uruguay ranked 58th globally.
Uruguay's labor force participation rate has experienced a modest yet consistent growth over the past three decades. Starting from a low of 56.59% in 1993, the country has seen a gradual increase, peaking at 66.02% in 2011. However, since then, the rate has declined to 64.99% in 2025, placing Uruguay at the 58th position globally. Compared to its peer countries, Uruguay's labor force participation rate is slightly lower than that of Saudi Arabia, which ranked at the 54th position with a rate of 65.10%. Denmark and Estonia also have higher rates, at 64.94% and 65.13% respectively. Despite this, Uruguay's rate remains relatively stable, indicating a robust labor market. To alter the trajectory of labor force participation in Uruguay, significant investments in education and vocational training would be necessary, as these factors are critical in boosting workforce participation and addressing the country's aging population.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.15% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.55% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.94% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.99% | −0.03pp | #58 |
| 2024 | 65.02% | +0.43pp | #59 |
| 2023 | 64.58% | +1.40pp | #67 |
| 2022 | 63.18% | +0.29pp | #78 |
| 2021 | 62.89% | +1.78pp | #74 |
| 2020 | 61.10% | −2.39pp | #85 |
| 2019 | 63.49% | −0.19pp | #74 |
| 2018 | 63.68% | −0.44pp | #72 |
| 2017 | 64.11% | −0.50pp | #70 |
| 2016 | 64.61% | −0.32pp | #66 |
| 2015 | 64.93% | −0.94pp | #65 |
| 2014 | 65.87% | +1.03pp | #56 |
| 2013 | 64.84% | −0.38pp | #64 |
| 2012 | 65.22% | −0.79pp | #60 |
| 2011 | 66.02% | +1.73pp | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uruguay matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2020. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uruguay's labor force participation was 64.99% in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Uruguay's labor force participation peaked at 66.02% in 2011.
The lowest labor force participation in Uruguay was 56.59% in 1993.
Uruguay ranks 58th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uruguay's labor force participation is projected to reach 65.94% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Uruguay in 2025 was 64.99%. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uruguay_labor-force-participation,
title = {Uruguay Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uruguay/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}