* The most recent numbers vary from country to country, the year of the most recent value is given in brackets. Countries for which numbers were only available 2017 or previously are not included.
The source adds the following information regarding methodology: "The employment-to-population ratio expresses the number of persons who are employed as a percent of the total working age population. The series is part of the ILO modelled estimates and is harmonized to account for differences in national data and scope of coverage, collection and tabulation methodologies as well as for other country-specific factors."
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Countries with the lowest female employment rates worldwide 2025
The lowest female employment rate worldwide was found in Iraq, reaching only percent. Sudan and Iran followed behind. On the other hand, the Bahamas had the highest female employment rate in the world.
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ILO. (January 26, 2026). 20 countries with the lowest female employment rates worldwide in 2025 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 30, 2026, from /statistics/1339171/countries-lowest-female-employment-rate-worldwide/
ILO. "20 countries with the lowest female employment rates worldwide in 2025." Chart. January 26, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 30, 2026. /statistics/1339171/countries-lowest-female-employment-rate-worldwide/
ILO. (2026). 20 countries with the lowest female employment rates worldwide in 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 30, 2026. /statistics/1339171/countries-lowest-female-employment-rate-worldwide/
ILO. "20 Countries with The Lowest Female Employment Rates Worldwide in 2025." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 26 Jan 2026, /statistics/1339171/countries-lowest-female-employment-rate-worldwide/
ILO, 20 countries with the lowest female employment rates worldwide in 2025 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1339171/countries-lowest-female-employment-rate-worldwide/ (last visited July 30, 2026)
20 countries with the lowest female employment rates worldwide in 2025 [Graph], ILO, January 26, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1339171/countries-lowest-female-employment-rate-worldwide/
