South Africa—Labor Force Participation (%)
Category: LaborSource: World Bank World Development IndicatorsGlobal Rank: #137 of 187
Latest Value
55.6%
2025
YoY Change
+0.0%
2024 → 2025
Global Rank
#137
of 187 countries
Maximum
57.3%
2000
Minimum
50.5%
2020
CAGR
-0.1%
26 years
Last
55.6%
Previous
55.6%
Highest
57.3%
Lowest
50.5%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
Source: World Bank World Development Indicators
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55.6% | +0.0% |
| 2024 | 55.6% | +1.0% |
| 2023 | 55.0% | +2.8% |
| 2022 | 53.5% | +2.8% |
| 2021 | 52.0% | +2.9% |
| 2020 | 50.5% | -8.5% |
| 2019 | 55.3% | +0.2% |
| 2018 | 55.2% | -0.4% |
| 2017 | 55.4% | +1.2% |
| 2016 | 54.7% | +0.2% |
| 2015 | 54.6% | +2.4% |
| 2014 | 53.3% | +0.4% |
| 2013 | 53.1% | +1.1% |
| 2012 | 52.5% | +0.6% |
| 2011 | 52.2% | -0.2% |
| 2010 | 52.3% | -3.1% |
| 2009 | 54.0% | -3.3% |
| 2008 | 55.8% | -0.2% |
| 2007 | 55.9% | -0.2% |
| 2006 | 56.0% | -0.2% |
| 2005 | 56.1% | -0.3% |
| 2004 | 56.3% | -0.4% |
| 2003 | 56.5% | -0.4% |
| 2002 | 56.7% | -0.5% |
| 2001 | 57.0% | -0.4% |
| 2000 | 57.3% |
Top Countries — Labor Force Participation (%)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar | 87.0% | 2025 |
| 2 | Madagascar | 85.5% | 2025 |
| 3 | Solomon Islands | 84.3% | 2025 |
| 4 | Tanzania | 83.7% | 2025 |
| 5 | Nigeria | 82.5% | 2025 |
| 6 | Cambodia | 82.4% | 2025 |
| 7 | Korea, Dem. People's Rep. | 82.2% | 2025 |
| 8 | Uganda | 80.0% | 2025 |
| 9 | Niger | 79.7% | 2025 |
| 10 | Mozambique | 78.7% | 2025 |
About This Indicator
Definition
Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.
Methodology
Data compiled by ILO Modelled Estimates database (ILOEST), International Labour Organization (ILO), uri: https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/bulk/, publisher: ILOSTAT, type: external database, date accessed: January 17, 2026.
Source: World Bank - World Development IndicatorsView original source →