A recent study by Eskimoz evaluated GDP per working hour, a more accurate indicator of labor efficiency than GDP per capita alone, to determine the world’s top ten most productive nations. The study determined the annual working hours based on average weekly hours and chose the 50 nations with the greatest GDP per capita (INT$). Next, worker productivity was calculated by dividing GDP per capita by the number of hours worked annually. Unemployment rates were included to provide more context on labor market conditions, but they were not taken into account when calculating productivity.
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Table of Contents
| Country | Yearly working hours | Productivity by working hour | Unemployment rate |
| Luxembourg | 1596.4 | 86.4 | 5.90 |
| Ireland | 1612 | 70.8 | 4.20 |
| Norway | 1409.2 | 61.7 | 4.20 |
| Singapore | 2345.2 | 50.7 | 1.90 |
| Netherlands | 1388.4 | 48.8 | 3.70 |
| Switzerland | 1773.2 | 46.0 | 2.80 |
| Denmark | 1534 | 45.6 | 2.60 |
| Sweden | 1518.4 | 41.7 | 8.00 |
| Austria | 1528.8 | 41.5 | 8.30 |
| Qatar | 2506.4 | 40.9 | 0.10 |
Luxembourg dominates the global rankings, creating $86.4 of value in every hour of work, making it the world’s most productive country. The country has the highest GDP per capita ($137.9K) among the listed countries with a moderate workweek of 30.7 hours, demonstrating that shorter working hours can lead to increased productivity.
Ireland ranks 2nd with $70.8 per working hour, about 18% lower than Luxembourg, despite having the third-highest GDP per capita among the top 10. The nation maintains similar working hours to Luxembourg but achieves different productivity levels, highlighting the impact of industry composition on output.
Norway claims third place with $61.7 produced in each hour of work. The Nordic nation achieves this with the third-shortest workweek (27.1 hours) among the top 10, showcasing the effectiveness of its work-life balance approach.
Singapore’s performance places it fourth, producing $50.7 for every hour worked. Despite having the second-highest GDP per capita ($118.8K) in the top 10, its longer workweek of 45.1 hours affects its hourly productivity ranking. The nation maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates at 1.9%.
The Netherlands takes fifth position, generating $48.8 in each hour of labor. With the shortest workweek among all ranked nations at 26.7 hours, it achieves almost the same hourly output as Singapore despite having less than two-thirds of Singapore’s GDP per capita.
Switzerland’s output of $46 for each hour worked earns it sixth place. Its high-value industries and skilled workforce contribute to a strong GDP per capita ($81.6K), though its 34.1-hour workweek is longer than most European peers in the top 10.
Denmark stands at seventh, creating $45.6/hour. Compared to Switzerland, it maintains similar productivity levels with a workweek shorter by about a quarter at 29.5, highlighting the Nordic efficiency model.
The Swedish economy registers eighth place with $41.7 produced every hour. While it maintains working hours close to Denmark’s 29.5 hours, its hourly output is $4 lower.
Austria’s productivity metrics put it in ninth place at $41.5 per working hour. It maintains strong productivity through a balanced 29.4-hour workweek, but similar to Sweden, it faces a higher unemployment rate.
Rounding out the top ten, Qatar generates $40.9 in each working hour. Despite having one of the highest GDP per capita among Gulf nations ($102.5K) and the lowest unemployment (0.1%), it has the longest workweek, which impacts its hourly productivity ranking.
Luxembourg ranks as the world’s most productive country, generating $86.4 per working hour. It achieves this with a moderate workweek of 30.7 hours and the highest GDP per capita among the top-ranked nations.
The top 10 most productive countries for international workers in 2025 are:
Countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark have shorter workweeks but still achieve high productivity due to factors such as strong labor policies, work-life balance, and high-value industries.
The Netherlands has the shortest workweek at 26.7 hours, yet it maintains high productivity at $48.8 per hour, demonstrating that shorter hours can enhance efficiency.
The least productive countries generally have lower GDP per worker, weaker infrastructure, and fewer economic opportunities, often found in regions facing economic or political instability.
Unemployment rates were included in the study for context but were not used in the calculation of productivity. Some highly productive countries, like Qatar (0.1% unemployment), have extremely low jobless rates, while others, like Sweden (8%), still rank high despite higher unemployment.
Productivity per worker measures total GDP divided by the number of workers, while productivity per hour focuses on the output generated in each hour of work. The latter provides a clearer picture of efficiency, as it accounts for differences in working hours.
Refs: https://www.eskimoz.co.uk/
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This post was last modified on March 28, 2025 2:21 pm