Bahrain Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Bahrain's youth unemployment was 5.42% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bahrain's youth unemployment stood at 5.42% in 2025, a decline of +0.05pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.19% by 2026. Bahrain ranked 29th globally.
Bahrain's youth unemployment rate has exhibited a moderate level of volatility over the past three and a half decades, with the indicator peaking at 6.39% in 2020 and troughing at 3.52% in 1993. The rate has progressively declined since 2020, with the latest available data from 2025 indicating a youth unemployment rate of 5.42%, ranking 29th globally among countries with available data. This decline from the peak is comparable to that observed in Nigeria, where the rate has also decreased from 8.33% in 2018 to 5.34% in 2025. Bahrain's youth unemployment rate has generally remained below the regional average, and the country continues to experience a lower rate compared to its peer countries, including Mexico and Ghana. However, the persistent presence of youth unemployment underscores the need for further education and job training initiatives to address the issue, potentially shifting the trajectory of this trend with increased investment in vocational programs and entrepreneurship support.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 4.97% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5.08% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.19% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.42% | −0.05pp | #29 |
| 2024 | 5.47% | +0.09pp | #30 |
| 2023 | 5.38% | +0.05pp | #30 |
| 2022 | 5.33% | −0.71pp | #25 |
| 2021 | 6.04% | −0.35pp | #27 |
| 2020 | 6.39% | +0.73pp | #27 |
| 2019 | 5.66% | +0.02pp | #30 |
| 2018 | 5.63% | +0.04pp | #28 |
| 2017 | 5.59% | +0.07pp | #25 |
| 2016 | 5.53% | +0.10pp | #26 |
| 2015 | 5.43% | +0.03pp | #23 |
| 2014 | 5.40% | −0.04pp | #26 |
| 2013 | 5.44% | +0.01pp | #25 |
| 2012 | 5.43% | +0.14pp | #25 |
| 2011 | 5.28% | +0.33pp | #24 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahrain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahrain's youth unemployment was 5.42% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Bahrain's youth unemployment peaked at 6.39% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Bahrain was 3.52% in 1993.
Bahrain ranks 29th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bahrain's youth unemployment is projected to reach 5.19% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Bahrain in 2025 was 5.42%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahrain_youth-unemployment,
title = {Bahrain Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahrain/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}