Brazil Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Brazil's unemployment rate was 5.97% in 2025, ranked 108th globally. This represents a 13.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Brazil's unemployment rate stood at 5.97% in 2025, a decline of +0.96pp from 2024. The IMF projects 7.10% by 2025. Brazil ranked 108th globally.
Brazil's unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 35 years, fluctuating between 6.89% in 1991 and 13.70% in 2020, the latter marking the highest recorded rate. The country has made notable progress in reducing unemployment, as evidenced by the current rate of 5.97%, a level nearly on par with European Union's 5.93% and marginally higher than Eritrea's 5.98%. This decline can be attributed to favorable economic conditions and government policies aimed at stimulating growth. The unemployment rate's all-time trough in 2025 marks a significant improvement, indicating a positive shift in the labor market. However, Brazil's unemployment rate remains higher than many of its regional peers, underscoring the need for sustained economic growth and targeted policies to further reduce unemployment. A continued decline in unemployment will depend on Brazil's ability to maintain its economic momentum and mitigate the impact of external factors, such as changes in global trade policies or commodity prices.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 7.40% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 7.42% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 7.41% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 7.36% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 7.29% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 7.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.97% | −0.96pp | #108 |
| 2024 | 6.80% | −1.17pp | #125 |
| 2023 | 7.95% | −1.30pp | #136 |
| 2022 | 9.23% | −3.99pp | #144 |
| 2021 | 13.16% | −0.62pp | #157 |
| 2020 | 13.70% | +1.72pp | #157 |
| 2019 | 11.94% | −0.44pp | #160 |
| 2018 | 12.33% | −0.52pp | #160 |
| 2017 | 12.79% | +1.19pp | #159 |
| 2016 | 11.58% | +2.96pp | #148 |
| 2015 | 8.54% | +1.66pp | #123 |
| 2014 | 6.76% | −0.42pp | #98 |
| 2013 | 7.07% | +0.17pp | #99 |
| 2012 | 7.25% | −0.33pp | #103 |
| 2011 | 7.58% | −0.46pp | #109 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Brazil matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2016. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Brazil's unemployment rate is currently 5.97%. Recent reports indicate that the Brazilian government is considering further changes to its extensive labor code, which already affects over 38 million workers outside its formal reach. These legislative developments could significantly impact the dynamics of formal and informal employment, potentially influencing future unemployment figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brazil's unemployment rate was 5.97% in 2025. Ranked 108th globally. This represents a 13.8% decrease from the previous year.
Brazil's unemployment rate peaked at 13.70% in 2020.
The lowest unemployment rate in Brazil was 5.97% in 2025.
Brazil ranks 108th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Brazil's unemployment rate is projected to reach 7.10% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Brazil in 2025 was 5.97%. This ranks 108th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_brazil_unemployment-rate,
title = {Brazil Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/brazil/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}