Bosnia and Herzegovina Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth unemployment was 28.20% in 2025, ranked 159th globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth unemployment stood at 28.20% in 2025, a rise of +0.87pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 24.18% by 2026. Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked 159th globally.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youth unemployment rate remains high, standing at 28.20 % in 2025, which places the country 159th in the global ranking. The indicator has fluctuated over the 35‑year series, climbing from 34.87 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 65.24 % during the post‑war recession of 2015, before falling to a trough of 27.27 % in 2023. The recent modest rise from the trough suggests that the labour market has not fully consolidated the gains achieved after 2023, despite the country’s performance being comparable to peers such as Angola (27.23 %) and North Macedonia (28.75 %). Structural constraints, including limited job creation in sectors that absorb young workers and persistent skills mismatches, continue to pressure the rate. If policy measures strengthen vocational training, improve access to finance for start‑ups, and stimulate demand in high‑growth industries, the downward trajectory could resume and bring youth unemployment closer to the regional average.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 20.26% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 22.22% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 24.18% | - | - |
| 2025 | 28.20% | +0.87pp | #159 |
| 2024 | 27.33% | +0.06pp | #159 |
| 2023 | 27.27% | −4.46pp | #159 |
| 2022 | 31.73% | −4.09pp | #165 |
| 2021 | 35.82% | −2.11pp | #168 |
| 2020 | 37.92% | +2.66pp | #168 |
| 2019 | 35.26% | −5.27pp | #172 |
| 2018 | 40.54% | −7.39pp | #177 |
| 2017 | 47.93% | −8.34pp | #182 |
| 2016 | 56.26% | −8.98pp | #185 |
| 2015 | 65.24% | +0.64pp | #185 |
| 2014 | 64.60% | +3.68pp | #185 |
| 2013 | 60.92% | −4.10pp | #185 |
| 2012 | 65.02% | +5.45pp | #185 |
| 2011 | 59.57% | −0.10pp | #185 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bosnia and Herzegovina matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth unemployment was 28.20% in 2025. Ranked 159th globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth unemployment peaked at 65.24% in 2015.
The lowest youth unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 27.27% in 2023.
Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 159th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth unemployment is projected to reach 24.18% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 was 28.20%. This ranks 159th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bosnia-and-herzegovina_youth-unemployment,
title = {Bosnia and Herzegovina Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bosnia-and-herzegovina/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}