Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) in Myanmar
Myanmar: Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) was 45.6% in 2020. ▲ Rising
Female labor force participation rate in Myanmar, 1983–2020
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 Myanmar is 45.6%, measured in 2020.
That represents a change of down 3.2% on the previous year and down 3.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, female labor force participation rate in Myanmar peaked at 51.6% in 2015 and was at its lowest, 24.9%, in 1990.
That places Myanmar 142nd out of 194 countries with data for 2020, putting it in the middle of the range.
Female labor force participation rate (Labour Force) in Myanmar, year by year
| Year | % | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | 38.9% | — |
| 1990 | 24.9% | -36.0% |
| 2014 | 47.1% | +89.3% |
| 2015 | 51.6% | +9.5% |
| 2017 | 48.5% | -6.0% |
| 2018 | 49.3% | +1.6% |
| 2019 | 47.1% | -4.3% |
| 2020 | 45.6% | -3.2% |
Myanmar compared with similar countries
- Myanmar's 45.6% is below the median for lower middle income countries, which is 47.6%, 96% of the median. (44 countries reporting)
- Myanmar's 45.6% is below the median for East Asia & Pacific, which is 54.1%, 84% of the median. (33 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 38.9% | 38.9% | 38.9% | 1 |
| 1990s | 24.9% | 24.9% | 24.9% | 1 |
| 2010s | 48.7% | 47.1% | 51.6% | 5 |
| 2020s | 45.6% | 45.6% | 45.6% | 1 |
Countries ranked near Myanmar
More work & labour data for Myanmar
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes, annual -0.5005 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male, annual growth -0.4735 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female, annual growth -0.5269 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population, annual growth rate -1.19 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population, annual growth rate 1.46 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population 29,392 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population 32,967 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female 25,258 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male 24,401 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes 49,659 1000 No (2100)
Frequently asked questions
- What is female labor force participation rate in Myanmar?
- Female labor force participation rate in Myanmar was 45.6% in 2020, 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 Myanmar?
- The highest recorded value was 51.6% in 2015.
- What is the lowest female labor force participation rate recorded in Myanmar?
- The lowest recorded value was 24.9% in 1990.
- How does Myanmar rank for female labor force participation rate?
- Myanmar ranks 142nd out of 194 countries with data for 2020.
- Is female labor force participation rate rising or falling in Myanmar?
- Over the last ten years it is down 3.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this Myanmar 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.