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The Asia-Pacific region shows significant variations in labor force participation rates (LFPR) among the population aged 15 to 64 years, with North Korea’s LFPR estimated at ** percent and Afghanistan’s at about ** percent in 2024. This stark contrast highlights the diverse economic and social landscapes across the region, influencing workforce engagement.

Regional trends and forecasts

APAC’s rapidly aging population is putting growing pressure on the labor market, with projections showing a declining labor force participation rate across the region between 2023 and 2050. East Asia, where demographic changes are most pronounced, is expected to see a significant decline in LFPR among those aged 15 to 54 years, while participation among those over 54 years is projected to rise notably during this period. In contrast, South Asia is the only sub-region anticipated to record a modest increase in participation rates for the 25-54 years age group, highlighting a regional divergence in labor force trends

Youth engagement in the labor force

The labor force participation rates among youth populations vary greatly across Asia-Pacific countries, reflecting diverse economic conditions, education systems, and social factors. For example, North Korea and Australia boast high youth labor force participation rates of more than ** percent for those aged 15 to 24 years, while South Korea's rate for the same age group is considerably lower at around ** percent. In Australia, strong labor market access for students and abundant part-time work opportunities could enable high youth engagement alongside education. Meanwhile, South Korea's strong societal focus on academic achievement and the pursuit of higher education qualifications often leads to prolonged periods of education, which delays young people's entry into the workforce. Moreover, many APAC countries have high NEET (not in education, employment, or training) rates, particularly those in South Asia, underscoring challenges such as skills mismatches and limited job opportunities.