Ever wondered which countries take the dedication to the extreme, and which countries are the ones who have learned how to be balanced? Economies, cultures, and industries completely differ in their work habits, which are formed around the world. Average working hours per week, according to statistics given by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as calculated and estimated by such sources as World Population Review and Visual Capitalist, are a clear indicator of the level of hustle. In Bhutan, the situation is impressive with a stunning 54.5 hours per week whereas other countries such as the Netherlands maintain it much more relaxed with about 26.8 hours. These are the 10 countries most favored by MSNs and the 10 countries with the fewest workweeks, according to these reliable 2025 forecasts. Plunge in and find out what the motivation behind these rankings is as well as possibly re-evaluate your own schedule.
Bhutan
Bhutan takes the first position with an average of 54.5 hours per week and it is considered the most hard-working nation in the world in terms of future 2025. The economy mainly revolves around agriculture, tourism and hydropower and needs a lot of time on the part of the residents. Men spend approximately 55 hours and women approximately 53.7 with a good participation of both genders in this country in the Himalayas where there is great emphasis on Gross National Happiness in addition to hard work.
Sudan
Sudan comes second with 50.8 average hours in a week. Longer hours are forced by economic issues as well as dependency on agriculture and informal sectors. The average number of hours worked by men is 51.9, and women 45.7, which underscores the hard work involved in the everyday labor in this African nation where necessity is likely to stretch the working day considerably.
Lesotho
Lesotho takes the third place with 50.2 hours per week. High labor participation is due to textile manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances by migrant workers. The men average about 51 and 51.5 hours and women 48.4 and 48.4 which depicts a workforce of people who are determined to assist their families in this mountainous land folded country, with South Africa as its neighbours.
Republic of the Congo
The fourth position is the Republic of the Congo with 48.7 hours per week. There is a constant need of effort demanded by oil mining, wood cutting, and subsistence agriculture. Men record 49.2 hours, women 48.3, showing wide participation in resources based industries that keep the economy on the move despite the challenges imposed on infrastructure.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is on the fifth position with a time of 48.4 hours per week. Construction, hospitality and finance industries which are mostly led by expats usually entail long shifts. Surprisingly, women are marginally beating men in this (48.5 vs. 48.3 hours) due to a vibrant economy that pays off diligence in a booming center.
Sao Tome and Principe
This African island country is ranked number six with 48.2 hours/ week. The residents are obliged to devote their entire year to cocoa farming, fishing, and tourism. Men spend 47.5 hours, women 48.9 hours and women tend to have more responsibilities in this equatorial paradise.
Jordan
Jordan is ranked seventh with a 47.8 hours per week. The steady effort is caused by manufacturing jobs, service jobs, and the jobs of the public sector. The number of hours worked by men is 48.5, and women 43.6, and participation in the work process in this Middle Eastern nation depends on culture and economic conditions.
Liberia
Liberia is placed in the 8th position and has a total of 47.5 hours per week. Agriculture, mining and informal trade are important to recover after the conflict. The workforce is rebuilding and through daily monotonous work men do 49 hours and women 45.9 as West Africa continues to rebuild its workforce.
Pakistan
In most reports, Pakistan is closely linked to approximately 47.5 hours per week. Long days are required in textile industries, agriculture and services. There are high population and economic demands that maintain the interest of the workers, and long hours are quite typical in the urban and rural environment.
Qatar
Qatar completes the top 10 with an approximate of 46.8 hours per week. The jobs in the energy sector, construction, and hospitality tend to extend the shifts. The expatriate labour force is an important contributor to this high output Gulf country which emphasizes on fast development.
Ten Least Hard-Working Countries: Balance and Efficiency Reign
These nations have the lowest average working weeks, which is sometimes due to high labor regulations, high productivity per hour, and focus on well-being. The information is based on the ILO forecasts and associated studies of 2025.
France
France also scores lowly at approximately 30.8 hours per week in certain world perceptions, but OECD data puts it higher with full-time. Plush unions, fat leave, and a 35-hour law week all encourage moderation. Efficient work is accompanied with extensive vacations and cultural activities of residents.
Canada
In broader measures, Canada has averages of 30.9 to 32 hours. Structured hours of resource and service sectors can be characterized by good protections. The focus on family time and activities in the outside world serves to keep the work-life rhythm healthy.
Germany
Germany is top in most shortest lists of approximately 25.6 to 30 hours per week on average. The engineering and manufacturing is a business based on high productivity as opposed to volume. Employees enjoy strong protections and plenty of vacation and a culture of efficiency over overwork.
Denmark
Denmark works an average of 26.5 hours per week. The country is also known to have hygge and social welfare, hence a focus on well-being characterized by flexible working arrangements and powerful unions to guarantee short and dedicated working days.
Norway
The average in Norway is 27.1 hours per week. The oil wealth supports good benefits such as leave. The employees are concentrating on quality production in technology, energy and services and spending quality time in nature and family.
Sweden
Sweden has a seat time of about 27.5 hours per week. The progressive policies encourage parental leave, flexible working hours and great levels of trust in the workplaces. Productivity is led by innovation and equality without wasting a lot of time behind desks.
Austria
Austria has low weeks in terms of European ratings, which are usually less than 30 hours per week on average. Good social systems and leave days permit relaxation and leisure in addition to stable performance.
Netherlands
Netherlands usually comes second last with only 26.8 hours per week. Work balance is promoted and part-time working is typical. The results in high-tech and trade industries are done in smart and not long hours.
Yemen
Yemen exhibits very low averages of between 25.9 hours in 2025 data, which is affected by war and economic conditions that lessen formal jobs. Most of them are involved in the informal or subsistence jobs with lesser registered structured hours.
Other Low-Hour Leaders (e.g., Finland, Belgium)
Other countries with well-being, robust healthcare, and leave rules focus on Finland (approximately 29 hours) and Belgium. The examples of these countries demonstrate that low working hours can be combined with good living standards and productivity.
