West Bank and Gaza Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
West Bank and Gaza's labor force participation was 44.99% in 2022, ranked 165th globally. This represents a 3.7% increase from 2021. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2022.
Overview
West Bank and Gaza's labor force participation stood at 44.99% in 2022, a rise of +1.62pp from 2021. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.49% by 2025. West Bank and Gaza ranked 165th globally.
Labor force participation in the West Bank and Gaza has risen steadily since the earliest observation in 1990, when 40.35 % of the working‑age population was engaged in the labor market, and reached an all‑time high of 44.99 % in 2022, the same year it ranked 165th globally. The trajectory includes a pronounced trough in 2002, when participation fell to 35.91 %, reflecting the severe economic disruption that followed the Second Intifada. Since that low point, the indicator has climbed by more than nine percentage points, outpacing the modest 44.30 % recorded for Morocco and approaching the 46.40 % seen in Tunisia, two regional peers with comparable demographic structures. The 33‑year coverage shows a consistent upward bias, suggesting that gradual improvements in education, female labor market entry, and modest private‑sector growth have reinforced participation. Continued investment in vocational training and the expansion of formal employment opportunities could sustain the upward trend and push the rate beyond the current peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 44.49% | - | - |
| 2022 | 44.99% | +1.62pp | #165 |
| 2021 | 43.37% | +2.43pp | #169 |
| 2020 | 40.94% | −3.33pp | #173 |
| 2019 | 44.27% | +0.82pp | #169 |
| 2018 | 43.45% | −0.55pp | #171 |
| 2017 | 44.00% | +0.23pp | #172 |
| 2016 | 43.77% | −0.20pp | #171 |
| 2015 | 43.97% | +1.85pp | #172 |
| 2014 | 42.12% | +0.32pp | #176 |
| 2013 | 41.80% | +0.12pp | #176 |
| 2012 | 41.68% | +0.32pp | #176 |
| 2011 | 41.36% | +1.37pp | #177 |
| 2010 | 40.00% | +0.47pp | #181 |
| 2009 | 39.53% | +0.15pp | #183 |
| 2008 | 39.38% | −0.54pp | #183 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
West Bank and Gaza matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2008. 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
West Bank and Gaza's labor force participation was 44.99% in 2022. Ranked 165th globally. This represents a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
West Bank and Gaza's labor force participation peaked at 44.99% in 2022.
The lowest labor force participation in West Bank and Gaza was 35.91% in 2002.
West Bank and Gaza ranks 165th globally in labor force participation as of 2022.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
West Bank and Gaza's labor force participation is projected to reach 44.49% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of West Bank and Gaza in 2022 was 44.99%. This ranks 165th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_west-bank-and-gaza_labor-force-participation,
title = {West Bank and Gaza Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/west-bank-and-gaza/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}