Work life can feel busy anywhere. Some people spend long days at the office. Others work in shops, farms, factories, hotels, or on the road.
But working hours are not the same in every country. Some places have shorter work weeks, while others have much longer ones.
The OECD tracks average yearly working hours in many countries. This can help travelers, expats, and remote workers understand what daily life may feel like in different parts of the world.
Here are 10 countries from the list, starting with two of the shortest work-hour countries and ending with the country where people work the longest hours.
10. Germany
Germany is known for strong work culture, but the average worker there spends fewer hours on the job than in many other countries.
The average worker in Germany works about 1,331 hours a year. That is around 25.6 hours a week.
For travelers, Germany often feels well organized and calm. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg offer good transport, clean public spaces, and a strong balance between work and personal life.
9. Denmark
Denmark is another country where people work fewer hours on average.
The average worker in Denmark works about 1,379 hours a year. That is around 26.5 hours a week.
This fits the country’s easy-going lifestyle. Copenhagen is known for bikes, cozy cafés, clean streets, and a slower pace compared with many big cities.
For visitors, Denmark can feel relaxed, even in the capital.
8. Cyprus
Cyprus has much longer working hours than Germany and Denmark.
The average worker in Cyprus works about 1,844 hours a year. That is around 35.5 hours a week.
Cyprus is also a popular travel spot. It is known for sunny beaches, clear water, old ruins, and warm weather.
People who visit may notice a mix of work life and holiday life. In tourist areas, many people work long hours, especially during busy travel seasons.
7. South Korea
South Korea is famous for fast cities, modern tech, street food, shopping, and pop culture.
The average worker in South Korea works about 1,865 hours a year. That is around 35.9 hours a week.
Seoul is full of energy. Shops, cafés, and restaurants often stay open late. That makes the city exciting for travelers, but it also shows how busy daily life can be.
South Korea is a great place to visit, but work life there can feel intense.
6. Greece
Greece is known for islands, ancient history, blue water, and sunny weather. But many workers there also put in long hours.
The average worker in Greece works about 1,898 hours a year. That is around 36.5 hours a week.
In places like Athens, Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos, tourism plays a big role. During summer, many workers in hotels, restaurants, shops, and transport work long days.
Travelers may see the relaxed side of Greece, but behind it, many people are working hard.
5. Chile
Chile stretches along the west coast of South America. It has deserts, mountains, beaches, glaciers, and busy cities.
The average worker in Chile works about 1,919 hours a year. That is around 36.9 hours a week.
Santiago is the country’s main business center. Many people travel there for work, study, and city life.
Chile is also a dream country for nature lovers. But in daily life, working hours are still high compared with many European countries.
4. Croatia
Croatia is famous for its coast, old towns, clear sea, and beautiful islands.
The average worker in Croatia works about 1,956 hours a year. That is around 37.6 hours a week.
Tourism is very important in cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Rijeka. During the summer season, many people work long hours to serve visitors.
For travelers, Croatia can feel peaceful and scenic. For workers, especially in tourism, the busy months can be demanding.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is loved for rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, wildlife, and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
The average worker in Costa Rica works about 2,149 hours a year. That is around 41.3 hours a week.
The country may feel relaxed to visitors, but many people work long hours. Jobs in tourism, farming, transport, and services can take a lot of time.
Costa Rica is a beautiful place to explore, but its work schedule is among the longest on this list.
2. Mexico
Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. It has colorful cities, ancient sites, beaches, food markets, and rich culture.
The average worker in Mexico works about 2,193 hours a year. That is around 42.2 hours a week.
In cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, life can be very busy. In tourist places like Cancún, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta, long workdays are common in hotels, restaurants, and travel services.
Mexico offers a lot to visitors, but many workers keep a packed schedule.
1. Peru
Peru has the highest average working hours on this list.
The average worker in Peru works about 2,263 hours a year. That is around 43.5 hours a week.
Peru is known for Machu Picchu, the Andes, the Amazon, Lima, Cusco, and rich food culture. It is a major travel destination in South America.
Many people work in tourism, markets, farming, transport, and small businesses. These jobs can involve long days and few quiet breaks.
For visitors, Peru can feel full of history and beauty. For many locals, daily work life is very busy.
Working hours can tell us a lot about daily life in a country. They show how people balance jobs, family, travel, and free time.
Germany and Denmark are at the shorter end of this list. Peru, Mexico, and Costa Rica are at the longer end.
For travelers, this is useful to know. Behind every hotel, café, market, train station, and tour, there are people working hard to keep things moving.
