Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) in Eswatini
Eswatini: Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) was 48.2% in 2023. ▲ Rising
Female labor force participation rate in Eswatini, 1966–2023
Source: Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
The most recent figure for female labor force participation rate in Eswatini is 48.2%, measured in 2023.
That represents a change of up 3.1% on the previous year and up 2.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, female labor force participation rate in Eswatini peaked at 50.4% in 1966 and was at its lowest, 27.7%, in 1986.
Eswatini ranks 130th of 194 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) in Eswatini, year by year
| Year | % | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | 50.4% | — |
| 1976 | 28.2% | -44.2% |
| 1986 | 27.7% | -1.8% |
| 1997 | 31.9% | +15.3% |
| 2016 | 47.1% | +47.8% |
| 2021 | 46.7% | -0.9% |
| 2023 | 48.2% | +3.1% |
Eswatini compared with similar countries
- Eswatini's 48.2% is above the median for lower middle income countries, which is 47.6%, 1.0× the median. (44 countries reporting)
- Eswatini's 48.2% is below the median for Sub-Saharan Africa, which is 57.6%, 84% of the median. (41 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 50.4% | 50.4% | 50.4% | 1 |
| 1970s | 28.2% | 28.2% | 28.2% | 1 |
| 1980s | 27.7% | 27.7% | 27.7% | 1 |
| 1990s | 31.9% | 31.9% | 31.9% | 1 |
| 2010s | 47.1% | 47.1% | 47.1% | 1 |
| 2020s | 47.4% | 46.7% | 48.2% | 2 |
Countries ranked near Eswatini
More work & labour data for Eswatini
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes, annual -0.6638 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male, annual growth -0.6722 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female, annual growth -0.6555 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population, annual growth rate 0.286 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population, annual growth rate 2.13 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population 703.04 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population 1,378 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female 685.51 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male 655.37 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes 1,341 1000 No (2100)
Frequently asked questions
- What is female labor force participation rate in Eswatini?
- Female labor force participation rate in Eswatini was 48.2% in 2023, according to Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest female labor force participation rate recorded in Eswatini?
- The highest recorded value was 50.4% in 1966.
- What is the lowest female labor force participation rate recorded in Eswatini?
- The lowest recorded value was 27.7% in 1986.
- How does Eswatini rank for female labor force participation rate?
- Eswatini ranks 130th out of 194 countries with data for 2023.
- Is female labor force participation rate rising or falling in Eswatini?
- Over the last ten years it is up 2.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this Eswatini 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. 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.