The unemployment rate in the World declined to 4.96 percent in 2023. Therefore, 2023 marks the lowest unemployment rate during the observed period. The unemployment rate of a country or region refers to the share of the total workforce that is currently without work, but actively searching for employment. It does not include economically inactive persons, such as children, retirees, or the long-term unemployed.

Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.

From 2000 until 2019, youth unemployment fluctuated between 13 and 15.5 percent, before it rose above 17 percent in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Youth unemployment Just like the general unemployment rate, youth unemployment is recorded and monitored to gauge the job market situation in a country and worldwide. Youth unemployment includes unemployed individuals aged 15 to 24, typically referring to those who have either just finished school or graduated and are looking for jobs. In order to be registered as unemployed, a person must be able to work, unemployed, and looking for a job. Usually youth unemployment is higher than adult unemployment, as many graduates do not find employment right after they have graduated. Regional breakdown The world region with the highest youth unemployment rate has been the Arab World for the past two decades, while East Asia and the Pacific has generally had the lowest rate. Apart from the sharp rise in 2020, the most notable increase came in 2009 as a result of the Great Recession; while this increase can be observed on a global scale, its impact on youth unemployment was more severely felt in more advanced economies in Europe and North America.

The statistic shows the unemployment rate in selected world regions between 2015 and 2023. In 2023, the unemployment rate in the Arab World was estimated to have been at 9.88 percent. Unemployment around the globe Following the global financial crisis in 2008, unemployment saw considerable downturns around the globe, most notably in 2009. Unemployment rates, despite experiencing dramatic improvements over the years following the crisis, still have not reached pre-2009 levels for the large majority of countries. The same trend is followed with unemployment among the youth between the ages of 15 and 24, around the world. Many youth experienced layoffs after 2008, mainly because their skills were interchangeable and easily replaceable and as a result, youth unemployment increased, although the situation has improved slightly. The unemployment rate in selected world regions remained relatively stagnant year-over-year from 2012 to 2013, however is expected to improve over the long run based on current employment trends. Economic improvement around the world is primarily evident from growth of real gross domestic product , which has been relatively positive in most countries with the exception of those in the euro area. Growth of real gross domestic product points to economic growth as well as a higher productivity within each country. On the other hand, other indicators of economic health, such as inflation, point to further economic distraught, as inflation is expected to increase globally, most prominently in non-developed countries.

In 2023, Eswatini had the highest unemployment rate in the world, at 37.6 percent. Of the 10 countries with the highest unemployment rates, nine were in Sub-Saharan Africa. What exactly is unemployment? The unemployment rate is the number of people in the workforce currently looking for jobs but not working. This number does not include students and retirees, as they are not looking for work, nor does it include people who have given up on finding a job (known as discouraged workers). Comparing international unemployment rates can be problematic, however, as different countries use different methodologies when classifying unemployment. For example, Niger records the third lowest unemployment rate in the world, despite often being listed as the least developed country worldwide - this is because the majority of the population engage in subsistence farming, with very little opportunity for paid employment. Causes of unemployment in less developed countries A major driver in unemployment in these countries is conflict. In particular, internally displaced persons (IDPs) want to work, but moving to another part of the country disrupts their business network and moves them into a local economy with different labor demand. Countries with low levels of economic development, as roughly indicated by a low GDP per capita, often have fewer labor market opportunities, leading to high unemployment rates.

This dataset provides values for UNEMPLOYMENT RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

This dataset provides values for LONG TERM UNEMPLOYMENT RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

The global youth unemployment rate increased somewhat since the beginning of the millennium. It was at its highest during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2023, global youth unemployment was at 13.6 percent.

Unemployment Rate in China increased to 5.40 percent in February from 5.20 percent in January of 2025. This dataset provides - China Unemployment Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for Youth Unemployment Rate for Developing Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SLUEM1524ZSSSA) from 1991 to 2023 about Sub-Saharan Africa, unemployment, and rate.

United States Unemployment Rate: Age 16 to 19 data was reported at 12.000 % in Nov 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.600 % for Oct 2018. United States Unemployment Rate: Age 16 to 19 data is updated monthly, averaging 15.900 % from Jan 1948 (Median) to Nov 2018, with 851 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 29.000 % in Jun 2010 and a record low of 5.700 % in Oct 1951. United States Unemployment Rate: Age 16 to 19 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G018: Current Population Survey: Unemployment Rate.

International comparisons of employment, unemployment and economic inactivity, published monthly. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

As of March 2025, South Africa had the highest unemployment rate among the 19* countries that are members of the G20. The unemployment rate in South Africa stood at 33.9 percent that year. The country has recently been plagued by an economic downturn, including energy shortages and high unemployment levels. On the other hand, Japan had the lowest unemployment rate at just 2.5 percent. Economic inequality in South Africa Not only does South Africa top the G20 in overall unemployment, but it also has a significant level of youth unemployment, as nearly half of the young population is unemployed. Thirty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa is also still one of the most unequal countries in the world, with a Gini score of 0.63. The prominence of inequality in the country makes escaping unemployment and underemployment difficult. Japanese economic slowdown While Japan had the lowest unemployment rate out of all G20 nations, as well as the lowest youth unemployment rate out of the G20 nations, Japan’s economy is still facing many challenges. With an aging population, the total Japanese population is facing a rapid decline, meaning that it will struggle to have enough workers participating in the labor market. Despite this, Japan maintains strict immigration policies, limiting the chances for foreign workers to move to Japan. Moreover, Japan has the second lowest fertility rate out of the G7 nations and one of the lowest fertility rates globally, adding another challenge in addressing population shrinkage.

Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.

Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.

This dataset provides values for YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Key information about Finland Unemployment Rate

• Finland Unemployment Rate increased to 6.90% in Apr 2023, from the previously reported figure of 6.60% in Mar 2023.
• Finland Unemployment Rate is updated monthly, available from Jan 1988 to Apr 2023, with an average rate of 8.60%.
• The data reached an all-time high of 17.60% in Feb 1994 and a record low of 2.80% in Jan 1990.
• The data is reported by reported by CEIC Data.
• In the latest reports, Finland Population reached 5.56 million people in Dec 2022.

From 2000 to 2024, the global employment-to-population ratio decreased steadily, with a significant drop in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. The ratio was estimated to reach 57.8 percent in 2025. North America was the region with the highest employment-to-population ratio worldwide in 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Youth Unemployment Rate for High Income non-OECD Countries (SLUEM1524ZSNOC) from 1991 to 2014 about Non-OECD, income, unemployment, and rate.

This dataset provides values for UNEMPLOYMENT RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.