Are you curious about the world's most hardworking nations? Brace yourself for a surprising revelation! In 2025, the top spot goes to a country where citizens dedicate an astonishing 54.5 hours per week to their jobs.
Bhutan leads the way, with its people working an average of 54.5 hours every week. This small nation's work ethic is legendary, particularly in agriculture and tourism. Men typically log around 55 hours weekly, while women are close behind with an average of 53.7 hours. But here's a twist: despite this dedication, Bhutan's economy faces unique challenges.
The list continues with Sudan, where the average workweek is 50.8 hours. Traditional values and a hierarchical structure define Sudan's workplace. Men work nearly 51.9 hours, while women contribute around 45.7 hours.
Next, we find Lesotho, the Republic of the Congo, and the UAE, each with distinct reasons for their high work hours. Lesotho's agriculture and migrant labor culture result in a 50.2-hour workweek. The Republic of the Congo's natural resource-based jobs demand 48.7 hours weekly. And the UAE, a modern powerhouse, showcases a gender-balanced work culture with both men and women working approximately 48.4 hours per week.
Pakistan, at ninth place, reveals a stark gender disparity. Men work an average of 51.1 hours, while women work only 35 hours. This gap raises questions about societal norms and gender roles.
But what about India? In 2025, India ranks 15th, with an average workweek of 45.8 hours. Men work 49.8 hours, while women work 35.9 hours. India's position highlights the complex interplay of unemployment, gender disparities, and work-life balance issues.
The top 10 list is a fascinating insight into global work cultures, but it also sparks debates. Are these long hours a sign of dedication or an imbalance? How do these countries' work ethics compare to those with shorter workweeks? And what impact does this have on productivity and well-being? The answers are as diverse as the countries themselves, and they're worth exploring.
Here's the full list of the top 10 hardest-working countries in 2025:
| Rank | Country | Avg. Weekly Hours Worked (Total) | Avg. Weekly Hours Worked (Men) | Avg. Weekly Hours Worked (Women) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Bhutan | 54.5 | 55 | 53.7 |
| 2 | Sudan | 50.8 | 51.9 | 45.7 |
| 3 | Lesotho | 50.2 | 51.5 | 48.4 |
| 4 | Republic of the Congo | 48.7 | 49.2 | 48.3 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 48.4 | 48.3 | 48.5 |
| 6 | Sao Tome and Principe | 48.2 | 47.5 | 48.9 |
| 7 | Jordan | 47.8 | 48.5 | 43.6 |
| 8 | Liberia | 47.5 | 49 | 45.9 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 47.5 | 51.1 | 35 |
| 10 | Qatar | 46.8 | 46.6 | 47.6 |
This data, sourced from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), paints a picture of global work patterns. But it also leaves us with questions. What's your take on these findings? Do you think long work hours are necessary for economic growth, or is it time for a global shift towards a healthier work-life balance?
