Most countries recently ended large-scale forced labor
Why this is here: By 1975, the number of countries with large-scale forced labor fell to 31, down from nearly 100 countries after World War II.
Our World in Data presents data tracking countries' progress in ending large-scale forced labor. Historically, forced labor and slavery were widespread.
Governments often permitted or enforced these systems. Most people considered them normal parts of life.
Today, many governments have abolished these practices. Forced labor and human trafficking are now widely seen as abhorrent.
The data relies on expert assessments from the Varieties of Democracy project in Gothenburg, Sweden. They define "large-scale" forced labor as systems tolerated, enabled, or imposed by authorities.
Progress accelerated mid-20th century. After World War II, nearly 100 countries had such systems. By 1975, this number dropped to 31.
The V-Dem indicators measure severity, not a clear line for "large-scale" systems. Data coverage is also incomplete for some countries and time periods. Nine countries still had large-scale forced labor in 2024, showing the work continues.
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