Brunei Darussalam Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate was 5.28% in 2025, ranked 95th globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate stood at 5.28% in 2025, a rise of +0.08pp from 2024. The IMF projects 4.80% by 2025. Brunei Darussalam ranked 95th globally.
Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate has exhibited fluctuating patterns over the past three and a half decades. The all-time low of 4.70% in 1991 marked the beginning of a rising trend, which peaked at 9.32% in 2017, nearly doubling the initial rate. The unemployment rate then gradually declined, reaching 5.28% in 2025, placing the country at the 95th position globally. Compared to its peer countries, Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate is relatively stable, with similar rates observed in Mongolia and Guinea, which stood at 5.23% and 5.16%, respectively. The country's unemployment rate has demonstrated a moderate recovery in recent years, suggesting a stabilizing trend. However, potential shifts in the global economy or changes in the labor market could alter this trajectory, particularly if Brunei Darussalam's oil and gas industry, a significant contributor to the economy, experiences a decline in output or investment.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 4.75% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 4.75% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 4.75% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 4.75% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 4.75% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 4.80% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.28% | +0.08pp | #95 |
| 2024 | 5.18% | +0.02pp | #97 |
| 2023 | 5.30% | +0.39pp | #100 |
| 2022 | 5.19% | −2.11pp | #95 |
| 2021 | 4.91% | −1.92pp | #68 |
| 2020 | 7.41% | −1.29pp | #111 |
| 2019 | 6.60% | −2.70pp | #120 |
| 2018 | 8.70% | +0.32pp | #134 |
| 2017 | 9.32% | +1.53pp | #137 |
| 2016 | 8.54% | +1.57pp | #127 |
| 2015 | 7.70% | +0.82pp | #118 |
| 2014 | 6.86% | −0.05pp | #101 |
| 2013 | 6.71% | −0.23pp | #96 |
| 2012 | 6.57% | +3.87pp | #92 |
| 2011 | 6.51% | +0.02pp | #93 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Brunei Darussalam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate was 5.28% in 2025. Ranked 95th globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate peaked at 9.32% in 2017.
The lowest unemployment rate in Brunei Darussalam was 4.70% in 1991.
Brunei Darussalam ranks 95th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Brunei Darussalam's unemployment rate is projected to reach 4.80% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Brunei Darussalam in 2025 was 5.28%. This ranks 95th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_brunei-darussalam_unemployment-rate,
title = {Brunei Darussalam Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/brunei-darussalam/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}