Bhutan Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Bhutan's youth unemployment was 17.05% in 2025, ranked 119th globally. This represents a 4.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's youth unemployment stood at 17.05% in 2025, a decline of +0.88pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 14.64% by 2026. Bhutan ranked 119th globally.
Bhutan's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades. At 17.05% in 2025, it ranks 119 globally, according to the World Bank. This rate has been steadily increasing since 2019, peaking at 27.18% in 2022, surpassing even that of peer country Afghanistan, which has a lower youth unemployment rate of 16.79%. Conversely, Bhutan's youth unemployment rate was at its lowest in 1999, at 4.19%, a level seen again in 1991 at 4.24%. This stark contrast highlights the country's vulnerability to economic downturns. The rising youth unemployment rate poses challenges to Bhutan's economic development, as it may hinder the growth of a skilled and productive workforce. As the country continues to navigate the impacts of climate change and global economic shifts, a sustained economic growth, coupled with targeted education and job training initiatives, could potentially alter the trajectory of Bhutan's youth unemployment rate.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11.36% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 13.00% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 14.64% | - | - |
| 2025 | 17.05% | −0.88pp | #119 |
| 2024 | 17.93% | +3.00pp | #123 |
| 2023 | 14.94% | −12.24pp | #105 |
| 2022 | 27.18% | +6.57pp | #156 |
| 2021 | 20.61% | −1.38pp | #124 |
| 2020 | 21.99% | +10.43pp | #125 |
| 2019 | 11.56% | −3.64pp | #87 |
| 2018 | 15.20% | +1.84pp | #106 |
| 2017 | 13.36% | +1.74pp | #94 |
| 2016 | 11.61% | +1.50pp | #80 |
| 2015 | 10.12% | +1.09pp | #64 |
| 2014 | 9.02% | −0.37pp | #53 |
| 2013 | 9.39% | +2.41pp | #60 |
| 2012 | 6.98% | −1.93pp | #38 |
| 2011 | 8.91% | +0.13pp | #55 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's youth unemployment was 17.05% in 2025. Ranked 119th globally. This represents a 4.9% decrease from the previous year.
Bhutan's youth unemployment peaked at 27.18% in 2022.
The lowest youth unemployment in Bhutan was 4.19% in 1999.
Bhutan ranks 119th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's youth unemployment is projected to reach 14.64% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Bhutan in 2025 was 17.05%. This ranks 119th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_youth-unemployment,
title = {Bhutan Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}