Belgium Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Belgium's unemployment rate was 5.91% in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Belgium's unemployment rate stood at 5.91% in 2025, a rise of +0.21pp from 2024. The IMF projects 6.10% by 2025. Belgium ranked 105th globally.
Belgium’s unemployment rate has fallen markedly since the early 1980s, when it reached an all‑time peak of 11.50 % in 1982, to a trough of 5.36 % in 2019, reflecting the country’s gradual shift toward a more flexible labour market and sustained fiscal prudence. The latest World Bank estimate for 2025 places the rate at 5.91 %, ranking Belgium 105th globally and positioning it just above the European Union average of 5.93 % and close to peers such as Austria (5.58 %) and Zambia (5.92 %). Over the 46‑year coverage period, the decline has been steady, with only modest fluctuations during the global financial crisis and the COVID‑19 pandemic, after which the labour market rebounded quickly. Looking ahead, continued structural reforms and the integration of digital skills are likely to keep the unemployment rate near its recent low, although any major external shock could temporarily reverse the downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 5.80% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 5.90% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 6.00% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 6.10% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 6.20% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 6.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.91% | +0.21pp | #105 |
| 2024 | 5.70% | +0.18pp | #112 |
| 2023 | 5.55% | −0.00pp | #104 |
| 2022 | 5.57% | −0.71pp | #102 |
| 2021 | 6.25% | +0.69pp | #100 |
| 2020 | 5.55% | +0.18pp | #79 |
| 2019 | 5.36% | −0.61pp | #97 |
| 2018 | 5.94% | −1.16pp | #109 |
| 2017 | 7.09% | −0.75pp | #117 |
| 2016 | 7.83% | −0.84pp | #118 |
| 2015 | 8.48% | −0.18pp | #122 |
| 2014 | 8.52% | −0.04pp | #123 |
| 2013 | 8.43% | +0.78pp | #121 |
| 2012 | 7.54% | +0.33pp | #107 |
| 2011 | 7.14% | −1.24pp | #100 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The headline details protests and riots in Britain and France related to the cost-of-living crisis. This news does not directly provide information or data to analyze its specific impact on Belgium's unemployment rate of 5.91%. The reported unrest is in other European nations and does not offer direct insights into Belgium's labor market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's unemployment rate was 5.91% in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
Belgium's unemployment rate peaked at 11.50% in 1982.
The lowest unemployment rate in Belgium was 5.36% in 2019.
Belgium ranks 105th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's unemployment rate is projected to reach 6.10% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Belgium in 2025 was 5.91%. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_unemployment-rate,
title = {Belgium Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}