Viet Nam Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Viet Nam's female labor participation was 68.55% in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Viet Nam's female labor participation stood at 68.55% in 2025, a decline of +0.35pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 68.51% by 2026. Viet Nam ranked 19th globally.
Vietnam’s female labor force participation has fallen from its all‑time peak of 74.74 % in 1990 to 68.55 % in 2025, placing the country 19th globally according to World Bank data. The 6.19‑percentage‑point decline over 35 years reflects structural shifts such as rising educational attainment among women, increased urbanisation, and a growing service sector that often offers part‑time or informal work not captured in formal employment statistics. Compared with peers of similar rank, Vietnam’s 2025 rate is slightly below Iceland’s 70.01 % and the Bahamas’ 70.73 % but above New Zealand’s 66.08 %, suggesting that regional policy differences and labour market flexibility influence outcomes. The long‑term downward trajectory may be moderated if policies that expand affordable child‑care, promote flexible work arrangements, and encourage female entrepreneurship are intensified, potentially stabilising or even reversing the recent decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 68.09% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 68.30% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.51% | - | - |
| 2025 | 68.55% | −0.35pp | #19 |
| 2024 | 68.91% | −0.31pp | #19 |
| 2023 | 69.22% | −0.66pp | #20 |
| 2022 | 69.88% | +0.77pp | #20 |
| 2021 | 69.11% | +0.01pp | #18 |
| 2020 | 69.10% | −2.42pp | #17 |
| 2019 | 71.51% | −1.39pp | #16 |
| 2018 | 72.90% | +0.32pp | #12 |
| 2017 | 72.58% | +0.05pp | #14 |
| 2016 | 72.53% | −0.33pp | #14 |
| 2015 | 72.86% | −0.20pp | #13 |
| 2014 | 73.06% | +0.15pp | #13 |
| 2013 | 72.91% | +0.92pp | #13 |
| 2012 | 71.98% | +0.27pp | #13 |
| 2011 | 71.72% | −0.02pp | #15 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Viet Nam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. 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
Viet Nam's female labor participation was 68.55% in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Viet Nam's female labor participation peaked at 74.74% in 1990.
The lowest female labor participation in Viet Nam was 68.55% in 2025.
Viet Nam ranks 19th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Viet Nam's female labor participation is projected to reach 68.51% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Viet Nam in 2025 was 68.55%. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_viet-nam_female-labor-participation,
title = {Viet Nam Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/viet-nam/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}