Vanuatu Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Vanuatu's female labor participation was 53.31% in 2025, ranked 91st globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's female labor participation stood at 53.31% in 2025, a decline of +0.22pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 52.92% by 2026. Vanuatu ranked 91st globally.
Vanuatu's female labor participation rate has experienced a significant decline over the past two decades, with the latest measurement in 2025 standing at 53.31%, ranking the country #91 globally. This represents a substantial drop from the all-time peak of 74.39% in 2002, a period when the country's economy was largely driven by agriculture and tourism. In comparison, other countries with similar female labor participation rates, such as Brazil with 53.41%, have maintained or even increased their participation rates. The decline in Vanuatu can be attributed to various factors, including a shift towards more informal employment and a lack of access to education and training opportunities for women. As the country continues to develop its economy, improving access to education and vocational training for women could help reverse this trend and increase female labor participation, potentially leading to more inclusive economic growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 52.38% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.65% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.92% | - | - |
| 2025 | 53.31% | −0.22pp | #91 |
| 2024 | 53.53% | −0.07pp | #90 |
| 2023 | 53.60% | −0.03pp | #87 |
| 2022 | 53.63% | −0.99pp | #89 |
| 2021 | 54.62% | +1.18pp | #75 |
| 2020 | 53.45% | −0.51pp | #83 |
| 2019 | 53.95% | −0.45pp | #86 |
| 2018 | 54.40% | −0.44pp | #83 |
| 2017 | 54.84% | −0.45pp | #80 |
| 2016 | 55.28% | −0.45pp | #77 |
| 2015 | 55.73% | −0.44pp | #68 |
| 2014 | 56.17% | −0.44pp | #64 |
| 2013 | 56.62% | −0.44pp | #62 |
| 2012 | 57.06% | −0.44pp | #62 |
| 2011 | 57.50% | −0.44pp | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Vanuatu matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's female labor participation was 53.31% in 2025. Ranked 91st globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Vanuatu's female labor participation peaked at 74.39% in 2002.
The lowest female labor participation in Vanuatu was 53.31% in 2025.
Vanuatu ranks 91st globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Vanuatu's female labor participation is projected to reach 52.92% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Vanuatu in 2025 was 53.31%. This ranks 91st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_female-labor-participation,
title = {Vanuatu Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}