Female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in Iraq
Iraq: Female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 was 10.8% in 2021. ▼ Falling
Female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in Iraq, 1977–2021
Source: Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
Iraq recorded 10.8% for female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in 2021.
That represents a change of down 9.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in Iraq peaked at 15.8% in 1977 and was at its lowest, 8.7%, in 1997.
Iraq ranks 193rd of 194 countries on this measure, in the bottom quarter.
Female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in Iraq, year by year
| Year | % | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 15.8% | — |
| 1987 | 10.5% | -33.6% |
| 1997 | 8.7% | -16.5% |
| 2007 | 12.2% | +39.7% |
| 2012 | 11.9% | -2.6% |
| 2014 | 13.6% | +14.4% |
| 2016 | 14.5% | +6.8% |
| 2017 | 11.2% | -23.1% |
| 2021 | 10.8% | -3.7% |
Iraq compared with similar countries
- Iraq's 10.8% is below the median for upper middle income countries, which is 52.2%, 21% of the median. (52 countries reporting)
- Iraq's 10.8% is below the median for Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, which is 26.7%, 40% of the median. (21 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 15.8% | 15.8% | 15.8% | 1 |
| 1980s | 10.5% | 10.5% | 10.5% | 1 |
| 1990s | 8.7% | 8.7% | 8.7% | 1 |
| 2000s | 12.2% | 12.2% | 12.2% | 1 |
| 2010s | 12.8% | 11.2% | 14.5% | 4 |
| 2020s | 10.8% | 10.8% | 10.8% | 1 |
Countries ranked near Iraq
More work & labour data for Iraq
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes, annual 0.1891 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male, annual growth 0.1939 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female, annual growth 0.1833 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population, annual growth rate 0.2038 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population, annual growth rate 2.31 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population 65,560 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population 15,931 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female 50,009 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male 50,640 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes 100,649 1000 No (2100)
Frequently asked questions
- What is female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in Iraq?
- Female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 in Iraq was 10.8% in 2021, according to Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 recorded in Iraq?
- The highest recorded value was 15.8% in 1977.
- What is the lowest female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 recorded in Iraq?
- The lowest recorded value was 8.7% in 1997.
- How does Iraq rank for female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025?
- Iraq ranks 193rd out of 194 countries with data for 2021.
- Is female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025 rising or falling in Iraq?
- Over the last ten years it is down 9.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this Iraq data come from?
- The figures come from Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Female labor force participation rate: 1980 vs. 2025. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of the female working-age population who are economically active (employed or unemployed). Figures refer to national estimates and may not be fully comparable across countries.