World—Total Labor Force
World's total labor force was 3.74B in 2025, ranking #1 out of 188 countries. This represents a +1.1% change from 2024. Over the past 26 years, the highest recorded value was 3.74B (2025) and the lowest was 2.76B (2000). Data sourced from the World Bank World Development Indicators.
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3.74B | +1.1% |
| 2024 | 3.70B | +1.1% |
| 2023 | 3.66B | +1.6% |
| 2022 | 3.60B | +1.2% |
| 2021 | 3.56B | +2.4% |
| 2020 | 3.47B | -1.0% |
| 2019 | 3.51B | +1.1% |
| 2018 | 3.47B | +1.1% |
| 2017 | 3.44B | +1.0% |
| 2016 | 3.40B | +1.1% |
| 2015 | 3.36B | +1.2% |
| 2014 | 3.32B | +1.0% |
| 2013 | 3.29B | +1.1% |
| 2012 | 3.25B | +1.1% |
| 2011 | 3.22B | +1.2% |
| 2010 | 3.18B | +1.0% |
| 2009 | 3.15B | +1.1% |
| 2008 | 3.12B | +1.2% |
| 2007 | 3.08B | +1.4% |
| 2006 | 3.04B | +1.4% |
| 2005 | 3.00B | +1.7% |
| 2004 | 2.95B | +1.7% |
| 2003 | 2.90B | +1.6% |
| 2002 | 2.85B | +1.6% |
| 2001 | 2.81B | +1.6% |
| 2000 | 2.76B |
Top Countries — Total Labor Force
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | World | 3.74B | 2025 |
| 2 | China | 768.1M | 2025 |
| 3 | India | 617.6M | 2025 |
| 4 | United States | 174.8M | 2025 |
| 5 | Indonesia | 147.1M | 2025 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 116.6M | 2025 |
| 7 | Brazil | 108.3M | 2025 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 85.2M | 2025 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 74.7M | 2025 |
| 10 | Russian Federation | 72.8M | 2025 |
About This Indicator
Definition
Labor force comprises people ages 15 and older who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. It includes people who are currently employed and people who are unemployed but seeking work as well as first-time job-seekers. Not everyone who works is included, however. Unpaid workers, family workers, and students are often omitted, and some countries do not count members of the armed forces. Labor force size tends to vary during the year as seasonal workers enter and leave.
Methodology
Data compiled by Staff estimates, World Bank (WB), International Labour Organization (ILO).
Unit
people in the labor force