World’s top 10 hardest-working countries in 2025 — see where India stands
Discover the world’s top 10 hardest-working countries in 2025, based on ILO data. Find out where India ranks and how global working hours reflect economic and lifestyle contrasts.
In many parts of the world, the 40-hour workweek is a privilege, not a norm. Across developing nations, longer working hours often mirror economic challenges, limited automation, and the constant push for stability and growth. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2025 data, employees in some countries clock far more hours than others — highlighting stark contrasts in productivity, lifestyle, and labour conditions. So, if you’re considering moving abroad for work, it’s worth knowing how many hours you’ll likely spend on the job. Here are the world’s hardest-working countries based on average weekly working hours.
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1. Bhutan — 54.5 hours/week Bhutan leads the global list, with workers in tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture clocking over 54 hours weekly. Limited automation and rapid national growth demand extra effort from its small, yet highly dedicated workforce.
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2. Sudan — 50.8 hours/week Sudan’s workers face long hours driven by inflation, instability, and limited job security. Many juggle multiple roles in agriculture and informal markets just to sustain basic living standards for their families.
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3. Lesotho — 50.2 hours/week In Lesotho, the textile and garment industries dominate, pushing employees to extended shifts to meet export targets. The nation’s growing manufacturing base relies heavily on manual labour and high production demands.
4. Republic of the Congo — 48.7 hours/week Congo’s economy depends on mining, oil, and forestry, where physically demanding jobs often stretch beyond 48 hours weekly. Labourers face challenging conditions, yet remain vital to the country’s economic survival.
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5. United Arab Emirates — 48.4 hours/week Behind the UAE’s glamorous skyline are thousands of migrant workers powering construction, logistics, and hospitality. Extended hours and strict schedules fuel the nation’s continuous expansion and global business appeal.
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6. São Tomé and Príncipe — 48.2 hours/week This small island nation relies on agriculture, cocoa production, and tourism. Workers often log long hours due to seasonal demands and limited employment opportunities across diverse sectors.
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7. Jordan — 47.8 hours/week Economic pressures, high living costs, and a competitive job market drive Jordanians to work overtime, particularly in retail, education, and services. Their resilience sustains the country’s steady economic progress.
8. Liberia — 47.5 hours/week Recovering from years of instability, Liberia’s growing informal economy demands long workdays. Labourers in agriculture, trade, and services work extended hours to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen local industries.
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9. Pakistan — 47.5 hours/week In Pakistan, rapid urbanisation and global outsourcing have led to long shifts in textiles, tech, and manufacturing. Workers often balance extended hours with strong family commitments and entrepreneurial aspirations.
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10. Qatar — 46.8 hours/week Despite its wealth, Qatar relies on migrant labour for construction, infrastructure, and domestic services. Many employees regularly exceed 46-hour weeks to keep pace with its ambitious national projects.
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India Ranks 15th with a 45-Hour Workweek India’s workforce remains one of the world’s most industrious, with professionals across technology, manufacturing, and services averaging 45 hours weekly. The nation’s booming economy thrives on this relentless dedication and productivity.
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
