Top 10 Hardest-Working Countries in 2025: Asian Nation Claims the No. 1 Spot

Understanding how nations work in 2025 reveals striking differences in culture, economic needs, and lifestyle priorities. While some countries have embraced shorter schedules and emphasise balance, others continue to log intense hours to keep up with national ambitions. Using data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Population Review, here’s a detailed look at the hardest working countries in 2025, what drives their long hours, and where India stands on the list.

Global Work Culture in 2025: A Quick Overview
The global workforce is shaped by diverse factors - economic pressure, traditional work ethics, social roles, and gender disparities. In many countries, men and women still experience drastically different working hours, especially in labour-driven economies. To understand this dynamic further, let’s explore the top 10 hardest working countries in 2025 and what defines their work trends.

Top 10 Hardest Working Countries in 2025

1. Bhutan – 54.5 Hours Per Week

Leading the list of hardest working countries in 2025, Bhutan records an impressive 54.5 average weekly hours. The population’s strong commitment to agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries contributes to consistently long working days. Men typically work around 55 hours, while women put in about 53.7 hours weekly.

2. Sudan – 50.8 Hours Per Week

Sudan takes the second spot with an average workweek of 50.8 hours. A traditional, hierarchy-driven work environment and reliance on labour-intensive sectors play a major role here. Men work approximately 51.9 hours and women 45.7 hours each week.

3. Lesotho – 50.2 Hours Per Week

Lesotho ranks third on the list, recording an average of 50.2 working hours weekly. The country’s dependence on agriculture and migrant labour keeps work hours high. Men report 51.5 hours, while women average 48.4 hours per week.

4. Republic of the Congo – 48.7 Hours Per Week

With 48.7 average weekly hours, the Republic of the Congo also ranks among the hardest working nations in 2025. Men and women contribute almost equally, with 49.2 and 48.3 hours respectively, indicating a balanced work participation model. Natural resource extraction remains a major driver of working hours.

5. United Arab Emirates – 48.4 Hours Per Week

In the UAE, labour laws and a growing modern economy result in an average of 48.4 hours a week. Both men and women display nearly identical working hours - 48.3 and 48.5 - which reflects the country’s structured workplace ecosystem and rapid urban development.

6. Sao Tome and Principe – 48.2 Hours Per Week

Despite being a small island nation, Sao Tome and Principe maintains an average workweek of 48.2 hours. Interestingly, women here work more than men - a rare trend globally. The economy heavily relies on fishing, agriculture, and related trades.

7. Jordan – 47.8 Hours Per Week

Jordan’s workforce puts in about 47.8 hours weekly. As a developing economy with rising manpower demands, the country sees men working around 48.5 hours and women 43.6 hours every week.

8. Liberia – 47.5 Hours Per Week

Liberia also features among the most hardworking countries in 2025, with an average of 47.5 working hours. Ongoing national reconstruction, infrastructure development, and service-sector expansion drive these long hours. Men work 49 hours and women average 45.9 hours weekly.

9. Pakistan – 47.5 Hours Per Week

Pakistan shares the same weekly hour average as Liberia but shows a significant gender gap. Men work 51.1 hours per week, while women average just 35 hours. Labour dependency, especially in informal sectors, contributes to extended work schedules nationwide.

10. Qatar – 46.8 Hours Per Week

Qatar completes the top 10 with an average of 46.8 weekly hours. Women surprisingly work more (47.6 hours) compared to men (46.6 hours). The country’s booming energy sector and expanding development projects elevate workforce demands.

Where Does India Stand in 2025?

India ranks 15th among the hardest working countries in 2025, with an average of 45.8 working hours per week. Men contribute around 49.8 hours, while women work only 35.9 hours weekly. Although India is not in the top tier, the country continues to face challenges such as unemployment gaps, gender imbalance in labour participation, and evolving work-life balance expectations.

What the 2025 Rankings Reveal

The 2025 list of hardest working countries highlights how economic pressures, cultural expectations, and gender roles shape labour patterns worldwide. Bhutan’s leading position reflects the dedication of workers in agriculture-driven sectors, while other nations show a mix of traditional and modern influences. These rankings also underline how geographic and cultural factors continue to define global work habits.