GDP per Hour Worked by Country
This chart ranks countries by GDP per hour worked, highlighting economic productivity per labor hour across nations. Luxembourg and Ireland lead the list with GDP per hour over $140, showcasing high productivity. Other high-ranking countries include Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Meanwhile, Indonesia appears lower on the list, indicating lower economic output per labor hour.
GDP per hour worked is a measure of economic productivity that evaluates the gross domestic product generated per hour of labor. It provides insight into how efficiently labor is used to produce goods and services and reflects various factors, including technology, workforce skill level, and industry structure.
The ranking of GDP per hour worked offers a lens into the productivity levels of different countries’ economies, reflecting how efficiently labor translates into economic output. Luxembourg stands at the top with a GDP per hour worked of $146.1, followed closely by Ireland at $142.5. These countries often benefit from high-value industries and favorable tax environments that attract multinational corporations, boosting their per-hour productivity metrics. Norway ranks third, where wealth generated from natural resources, particularly oil, contributes significantly to its high GDP per hour rate.
Western European countries dominate the upper ranks, with the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and Belgium all appearing in the top ten. These economies generally have highly developed infrastructures, skilled workforces, and high levels of automation and technology integration, which are key drivers of productivity. Singapore, the only Asian country in the top 10, illustrates how a focus on high-tech, finance, and manufacturing sectors can elevate productivity levels.
Interestingly, the United States, often perceived as a high-productivity economy, ranks twelfth with a GDP per hour worked of $69.7. This suggests a productivity gap between the U.S. and top-ranking European countries. Factors contributing to this gap include differences in social policies, labor regulations, and levels of automation. Guyana’s recent economic boom, largely driven by oil discoveries, positions it at a notable eleventh place, close to traditional high-performers like Sweden.
At the lower end, Indonesia’s GDP per hour of $13.5 underscores significant disparities in productivity levels across the globe. Countries with lower productivity often rely more heavily on labor-intensive sectors and may have less access to advanced technology, training, and infrastructure. This ranking not only illustrates economic diversity but also highlights the global inequality in labor productivity, influenced by industry types, levels of industrialization, and access to resources and technology.
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