Bahamas, The Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Bahamas, The's youth unemployment was 19.25% in 2025, ranked 130th globally. This represents a 5.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bahamas, The's youth unemployment stood at 19.25% in 2025, a rise of +0.96pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 17.51% by 2026. Bahamas, The ranked 130th globally.
The Bahamas has experienced significant fluctuations in youth unemployment rates over the past three and a half decades, ranging from a low of 15.20% in 2001 to a high of 34.47% in 2013. This trend suggests that the country's labor market has struggled to provide adequate opportunities for young people, with the unemployment rate for this demographic consistently ranking among the highest globally. Currently, the Bahamas ranks #130 globally with a youth unemployment rate of 19.25%, slightly above the rates in peer countries such as Argentina (19.19%) and Belize (19.32%). The data suggests that the Bahamas has made progress in reducing youth unemployment since its peak in 2013, but still has work to do to reach the levels seen in countries like France (18.89%). A sustained increase in investment in education and job training programs could potentially alter the trajectory of the Bahamas' youth unemployment trend and help the country better integrate its young workforce into the labor market.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 16.42% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 16.96% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 17.51% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.25% | +0.96pp | #130 |
| 2024 | 18.29% | +0.59pp | #125 |
| 2023 | 17.70% | −1.00pp | #124 |
| 2022 | 18.69% | −3.07pp | #125 |
| 2021 | 21.77% | −2.18pp | #130 |
| 2020 | 23.94% | +4.71pp | #131 |
| 2019 | 19.24% | −4.93pp | #125 |
| 2018 | 24.16% | +2.61pp | #139 |
| 2017 | 21.55% | −4.30pp | #130 |
| 2016 | 25.84% | +1.06pp | #144 |
| 2015 | 24.78% | −4.21pp | #138 |
| 2014 | 28.99% | −5.47pp | #152 |
| 2013 | 34.47% | +4.11pp | #158 |
| 2012 | 30.36% | +3.36pp | #152 |
| 2011 | 27.00% | +0.45pp | #149 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahamas, The matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 1981. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahamas, The's youth unemployment was 19.25% in 2025. Ranked 130th globally. This represents a 5.2% increase from the previous year.
Bahamas, The's youth unemployment peaked at 34.47% in 2013.
The lowest youth unemployment in Bahamas, The was 15.20% in 2001.
Bahamas, The ranks 130th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bahamas, The's youth unemployment is projected to reach 17.51% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Bahamas, The in 2025 was 19.25%. This ranks 130th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahamas-the_youth-unemployment,
title = {Bahamas, The Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahamas-the/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}