Burkina Faso Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Burkina Faso's unemployment rate was 3.48% in 2025, ranked 55th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Burkina Faso's unemployment rate stood at 3.48% in 2025, a rise of +0.04pp from 2024. Burkina Faso ranked 55th globally.
Burkina Faso's unemployment rate has experienced a relatively stable trend over the past three-and-a-half decades, with a notable peak in 2018 when it reached 4.70%. This marked a significant increase from the all-time trough of 2.41% in 1997. The unemployment rate has since declined, and as of 2025, it stands at 3.48%, ranking #55 globally. While this rate is higher than some of its peer countries, such as Belarus at 3.38%, Burkina Faso's unemployment rate remains relatively low compared to its regional counterparts. The country's stable unemployment rate can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a growing economy and a relatively skilled workforce. However, the ongoing impact of climate change and fluctuations in global commodity prices may alter the trajectory of Burkina Faso's unemployment rate in the coming years, potentially leading to increased economic volatility and challenges for the country's labor market.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3.48% | +0.04pp | #55 |
| 2024 | 3.44% | −0.16pp | #55 |
| 2023 | 3.60% | −0.23pp | #64 |
| 2022 | 3.83% | −0.68pp | #63 |
| 2021 | 4.51% | −0.08pp | #58 |
| 2020 | 4.59% | +0.10pp | #59 |
| 2019 | 4.49% | −0.20pp | #74 |
| 2018 | 4.70% | +0.03pp | #78 |
| 2017 | 4.66% | +0.06pp | #75 |
| 2016 | 4.60% | +0.13pp | #67 |
| 2015 | 4.47% | +0.22pp | #62 |
| 2014 | 4.26% | +0.20pp | #57 |
| 2013 | 4.05% | +0.21pp | #56 |
| 2012 | 3.85% | +0.02pp | #54 |
| 2011 | 3.83% | +0.10pp | #49 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burkina Faso matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burkina Faso's unemployment rate was 3.48% in 2025. Ranked 55th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Burkina Faso's unemployment rate peaked at 4.70% in 2018.
The lowest unemployment rate in Burkina Faso was 2.41% in 1997.
Burkina Faso ranks 55th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The unemployment rate of Burkina Faso in 2025 was 3.48%. This ranks 55th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burkina-faso_unemployment-rate,
title = {Burkina Faso Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burkina-faso/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}