The economically active population, or labour force, is the segment of a country’s human resources that contributes to the production of goods and the provision of services. The economic and social development of a country depends not only on the number of persons who are economically active, but also on the quality of their work and the regularity of their employment.
The primary objective of a Labour Force Survey is to provide reliable labour market statistics to support national development. These findings are essential for monitoring and evaluating frameworks such as the Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF), Ministerial Strategic Plans, Budget Briefs, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly in relation to economic growth and reducing unemployment.
2023 Labour Force Surveys
The 2023 Labour Force Survey (TLFS 2023) was successfully conducted by the Tonga Statistics Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Pacific Community (SPC).
The Tonga Labour Force Survey 2023 Report was officially launched on 19 December 2024, offering updated insights into Tonga’s labour market and contributing to the development of employment and social protection policies.
Previous Labour Force Surveys
LFS 2018: Conducted jointly by the Tonga Statistics Department and MTED, funded by the Government of Tonga.
LFS 2003: The first national labour force survey.
Currently employed
28,603
Currently unemployed
650
Total Employed Persons by Major Economic Activity, Area and Sex, Tonga 2023
Employment-to-Population Ratio by Special Age Group and Sex, Tonga 2023.
- The employment-to-population ratio is defined as the proportion of employed people to the working-
age population. Out of the total working-age population, 28,603 people are employed, which translates
to an employment-to-population ratio of 44%. The ratio of males employed to the male working-age
population (50%) is relatively higher than females (38%).
Tonga Labour Force Survey reports
Contact Person: Ms. Mele Manitisa