World Bank: 55% of Latin American workers in informal sector

The World Bank reports that 55% of workers in Latin America and the Caribbean are engaged in informal employment, a structural challenge that has remained high for nearly two decades. The organization emphasizes that informality is not a homogeneous phenomenon, as individuals make labor decisions based on personal capabilities, preferences, and circumstances.

In a specific regional comparison, El Salvador maintains an intermediate rate of informal salaried workers, estimated between 25% and 30%. This places the country below Guatemala, where rates exceed 40%-50%, but above nations such as Costa Rica and Uruguay. The report notes a global trend where self-employment decreases as GDP per capita rises.

To address these challenges, the World Bank proposes a three-pillar strategy: strengthening human capital through education and skill development, fostering business growth, and modernizing social protection systems to adapt to new market realities. The report also highlights that 83% of the region's informal workers are part of micro-enterprises with five or fewer employees, many of whom enter the sector seeking independence and flexibility.