Belize Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Belize's youth unemployment was 19.32% in 2025, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 4.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Belize's youth unemployment stood at 19.32% in 2025, a rise of +0.77pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 17.73% by 2026. Belize ranked 131st globally.
Belize's youth unemployment rate has fluctuated significantly over the past three and a half decades, with a marked peak in 1998 at 28.26% and a trough in 2017 at 15.69%. This substantial variation, coupled with the current rate of 19.32%, indicates a relatively high level of youth unemployment in the country. In comparison, other countries with similar youth unemployment rates include The Bahamas at 19.25% and Estonia at 19.70%. The World Bank data suggests that Belize's youth unemployment rate has been steadily increasing since 2017 and now ranks 131 globally. A key factor that could influence the trajectory of youth unemployment in Belize is the country's economic diversification efforts, particularly in the tourism and renewable energy sectors, which could potentially create new job opportunities and stabilize the youth labor market.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 16.76% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 17.24% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 17.73% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.32% | +0.77pp | #131 |
| 2024 | 18.55% | +0.72pp | #126 |
| 2023 | 17.83% | −0.59pp | #125 |
| 2022 | 18.42% | −3.40pp | #124 |
| 2021 | 21.82% | −0.55pp | #131 |
| 2020 | 22.37% | +2.43pp | #126 |
| 2019 | 19.93% | −2.07pp | #130 |
| 2018 | 22.01% | +6.32pp | #133 |
| 2017 | 15.69% | −0.86pp | #107 |
| 2016 | 16.55% | +0.07pp | #104 |
| 2015 | 16.48% | −1.79pp | #106 |
| 2014 | 18.27% | +1.37pp | #110 |
| 2013 | 16.90% | −0.01pp | #101 |
| 2012 | 16.91% | −0.04pp | #101 |
| 2011 | 16.96% | +0.04pp | #100 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belize matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1990. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belize's youth unemployment was 19.32% in 2025. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 4.1% increase from the previous year.
Belize's youth unemployment peaked at 28.26% in 1998.
The lowest youth unemployment in Belize was 15.69% in 2017.
Belize ranks 131st globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belize's youth unemployment is projected to reach 17.73% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Belize in 2025 was 19.32%. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belize_youth-unemployment,
title = {Belize Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belize/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}