Top 10 hardest-working countries in 2025

Global labour averages hover around 38.7 hours per week, but the gap between the hardest- and lightest-working nations stretches nearly 30 hours.

In 2025, certain countries stand out for the long hours their workers put in, reflecting labour-intensive industries, smaller social safety nets, and fewer part-time roles. Data from the World Population Review compiles national estimates across both formal and informal labour sectors.

1. Bhutan – 54.5 hours

Bhutan leads the world with the longest workweeks. Employees here often clock 54.5 hours per week, a reflection of labour-intensive local industries and a culture of strong work ethic.

2. Sudan – 50.8 hours

Workers in Sudan average just over 50 hours weekly. Economic pressures and reliance on informal labour sectors contribute to extended workweeks across the country.

3. Lesotho – 50.2 hours

In Lesotho, employees spend more than 50 hours per week working. Agriculture and mining sectors dominate, demanding long hours from both formal and informal workers.

4. Republic of the Congo – 48.7 hours

The Republic of the Congo sees an average workweek approaching 49 hours. Resource-driven industries and limited labour protections often result in extended hours.

5. United Arab Emirates – 48.4 hours

UAE employees, particularly in urban centres, work long weeks, averaging 48.4 hours. High-demand service and construction sectors contribute to these extended schedules.

6. Sao Tome & Principe – 48.2 hours

Workers in this African island nation average just over 48 hours per week. Small-scale agriculture and tourism-related jobs require consistent long-hour commitments.

7. Jordan – 47.8 hours

Jordanian employees spend nearly 48 hours per week at work, with both public and private sectors seeing extended schedules due to labour-intensive services and limited part-time employment.

8. Liberia – 47.5 hours

In Liberia, workers also average 47.5 hours weekly. Economic development challenges and informal sector reliance contribute to these longer working hours.

9. Pakistan – 47.5 hours

Pakistan shares the ninth spot with Liberia, with an average of 47.5 hours per week. Agricultural work, manufacturing, and small business sectors drive long hours for many employees.

10. Qatar – 46.8 hours

Qatar rounds out the top ten, with workers averaging nearly 47 hours weekly. Rapid urbanisation and construction projects largely explain the long hours in both formal and migrant labour sectors.

These nations illustrate how economic structure, labour laws, and industry demands shape working hours, emphasising that long workweeks often come hand-in-hand with challenging labour conditions.

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