Ever wondered which countries push dedication to the extreme, and which ones have mastered the art of balance? Economies, cultures, and industries differ completely in their work habits around the world. Average weekly working hours — tracked by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and compiled by sources like World Population Review and Visual Capitalist — are a clear indicator of a nation’s hustle. Bhutan tops the charts at a stunning 54.5 hours per week, while the Netherlands keeps things relaxed at about 26.8 hours. Here are the 10 hardest-working countries and the 10 with the shortest workweeks, based on reliable 2025 data. Dive in to see what drives these rankings — and maybe re-evaluate your own schedule.
Bhutan
Bhutan ranks first with an average of 54.5 hours per week, making it the hardest-working nation in the world by 2025 projections. Its economy revolves around agriculture, tourism, and hydropower, demanding long hours from residents. Men average about 55 hours and women about 53.7 — strong participation from both genders in this Himalayan kingdom, where Gross National Happiness is prized alongside hard work.
Sudan
Sudan comes second at 50.8 hours per week. Economic hardship and dependence on agriculture and informal work stretch the working day. Men average 51.9 hours and women 45.7, reflecting the daily grind in this African nation where necessity keeps people working longer.
Lesotho
Lesotho takes third place with 50.2 hours per week. High labor participation comes from textile manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances from migrant workers. Men average around 51 hours and women about 48.4 in this mountainous country entirely surrounded by South Africa, where workers are determined to support their families.
Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo ranks fourth at 48.7 hours per week. Oil extraction, logging, and subsistence farming demand constant effort. Men log 49.2 hours and women 48.3, showing broad participation in resource-based industries that keep the economy moving despite infrastructure challenges.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is fifth with 48.4 hours per week. Construction, hospitality, and finance — largely staffed by expats — mean long shifts. Notably, women slightly outwork men here (48.5 vs. 48.3 hours) in a booming economy that rewards diligence.
Sao Tome and Principe
This African island nation ranks sixth at 48.2 hours per week. Residents devote their year to cocoa farming, fishing, and tourism. Men average 47.5 hours and women 48.9, with women carrying extra responsibilities in this equatorial paradise.
Jordan
Jordan ranks seventh at 47.8 hours per week. Manufacturing, services, and public-sector jobs sustain the steady effort. Men work 48.5 hours and women 43.6, with participation shaped by cultural and economic conditions in this Middle Eastern nation.
Liberia
Liberia is eighth with 47.5 hours per week. Agriculture, mining, and informal trade are vital as the country rebuilds after conflict. Men work about 49 hours and women 45.9, as West Africa’s workforce steadily reconstructs itself.
Pakistan
Pakistan averages approximately 47.5 hours per week. Long days are standard in textiles, agriculture, and services. High population pressure and economic demands keep workers engaged, with long hours typical in both urban and rural areas.
Qatar
Qatar rounds out the top 10 at about 46.8 hours per week. Energy, construction, and hospitality jobs extend shifts, and the expatriate workforce is a major contributor to this high-output Gulf nation focused on rapid development.
Ten Least Hard-Working Countries: Balance and Efficiency Reign
These nations have the shortest average workweeks — thanks to strong labor regulations, high hourly productivity, and a focus on well-being. The data draws on ILO estimates and 2025 studies.
France
France averages about 30.8 hours per week in global rankings, though OECD full-time figures run higher. Strong unions, generous leave, and the famous 35-hour workweek encourage moderation. Efficient work pairs with long vacations and a rich cultural life.
Canada
Canada averages 30.9 to 32 hours per week. Resource and service sectors offer structured hours with solid protections. An emphasis on family time and the outdoors keeps the work-life rhythm healthy.
Germany
Germany lands on most shortest-workweek lists at roughly 25.6 to 30 hours per week. Engineering and manufacturing thrive on high productivity rather than long hours. Workers enjoy strong protections, ample vacation, and a culture of efficiency over overwork.
Denmark
Denmark averages 26.5 hours per week. Known for hygge and a strong social safety net, the country prioritizes well-being through flexible arrangements and powerful unions that protect short, focused working days.
Norway
Norway averages 27.1 hours per week. Oil wealth funds generous benefits like extended leave. Workers focus on quality output in technology, energy, and services — then spend real time in nature and with family.
Sweden
Sweden averages about 27.5 hours per week. Progressive policies support parental leave, flexible hours, and high workplace trust. Innovation and equality drive productivity without chaining people to desks.
Austria
Austria averages under 30 hours per week by European measures. Strong social systems and generous leave allow real relaxation alongside stable economic performance.
Netherlands
The Netherlands averages just 26.8 hours per week. Work-life balance is a national priority and part-time work is normal. High-tech and trade industries get results through smart work, not long hours.
Yemen
Yemen averages about 25.9 hours in 2025 data, though war and economic collapse distort the picture by shrinking formal employment. Most workers are in informal or subsistence jobs with few recorded structured hours.
Other Low-Hour Leaders (e.g., Finland, Belgium)
Finland (about 29 hours) and Belgium also keep hours low through strong healthcare, leave policies, and well-being priorities. They prove that shorter workweeks can coexist with high living standards and strong productivity.
