Barbados Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Barbados's youth unemployment was 18.48% in 2025, ranked 126th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Barbados's youth unemployment stood at 18.48% in 2025, a rise of +0.43pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 14.06% by 2026. Barbados ranked 126th globally.
Barbados' youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the country ranking #126 globally as of 2025 at 18.48%. This rate has improved considerably from the all-time peak of 43.80% in 1993, a value more than double the current rate, and has also surpassed the all-time trough of 17.46% in 2007. Since 1991, the rate has declined by 23.44 percentage points, indicating a downward trend. In comparison to its peers, Barbados' rate is comparable to that of the Slovak Republic, which also stands at 18.43%. The sustained economic growth experienced in the early 2000s, which saw a reduction in unemployment rates, contributed to the decline in youth unemployment. However, the ongoing shift towards a more service-based economy, coupled with an aging population, may challenge the current trajectory of declining youth unemployment rates, potentially necessitating targeted interventions to address the evolving labor market needs.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 9.55% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 11.81% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 14.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.48% | +0.43pp | #126 |
| 2024 | 18.05% | −0.22pp | #124 |
| 2023 | 18.26% | −2.76pp | #130 |
| 2022 | 21.03% | −7.22pp | #136 |
| 2021 | 28.25% | −1.78pp | #150 |
| 2020 | 30.03% | +4.25pp | #149 |
| 2019 | 25.79% | +1.58pp | #147 |
| 2018 | 24.21% | −2.00pp | #141 |
| 2017 | 26.21% | +0.02pp | #148 |
| 2016 | 26.18% | −2.67pp | #145 |
| 2015 | 28.86% | −4.20pp | #151 |
| 2014 | 33.06% | +3.95pp | #155 |
| 2013 | 29.11% | +0.28pp | #149 |
| 2012 | 28.83% | +2.00pp | #149 |
| 2011 | 26.83% | +1.46pp | #148 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Barbados matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2011. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbados's youth unemployment was 18.48% in 2025. Ranked 126th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year.
Barbados's youth unemployment peaked at 43.80% in 1993.
The lowest youth unemployment in Barbados was 17.46% in 2007.
Barbados ranks 126th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Barbados's youth unemployment is projected to reach 14.06% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Barbados in 2025 was 18.48%. This ranks 126th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_barbados_youth-unemployment,
title = {Barbados Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/barbados/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}