The most productive countries in the world
A recent study by Eskimoz has ranked the world’s top 10 most productive countries by analysing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per working hour, a more precise measure of labour efficiency than GDP per capita alone.
The study selected the 50 countries with the highest GDP per capita (INT$) in 2022 and calculated yearly working hours based on average weekly hours.
Worker productivity was then determined by dividing GDP per capita by yearly working hours. While not factored into productivity calculations, unemployment rates were included for additional context on labour market conditions.
According to the results, Luxembourg dominated the global rankings, creating $86.4 (+/- R1 500) of value in every hour of work, making it the world’s most productive country. This country also 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 ranked second with $70.8 (+/- R1 200) 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 $61.7 (+/- R1 100) produced in each hour of work. The Nordic nation achieves this with the third-shortest workweek (27.1 hours) among the top 10, showcasing the effectiveness of its work-life balance approach.
The top 10
Take a look at the top 10 most productive countries below:
| Rank | Country | GDP per Capita (INT$) 2022 | Yearly working hours | Productivity by working hour ($) | Unemployment rate |
| 1 | Luxembourg | $137.9K | 1596.4 | 86.4 | 5.90 |
| 2 | Ireland | $114.1K | 1612 | 70.8 | 4.20 |
| 3 | Norway | $86.9K | 1409.2 | 61.7 | 4.20 |
| 4 | Singapore | $118.8K | 2345.2 | 50.7 | 1.90 |
| 5 | Netherlands | $67.7K | 1388.4 | 48.8 | 3.70 |
| 6 | Switzerland | $81.6K | 1773.2 | 46.0 | 2.80 |
| 7 | Denmark | $69.9K | 1534 | 45.6 | 2.60 |
| 8 | Sweden | $63.3K | 1518.4 | 41.7 | 8.00 |
| 9 | Austria | $63.4K | 1528.8 | 41.5 | 8.30 |
| 10 | Qatar | $102.5K | 2506.4 | 40.9 | 0.10 |
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