Cambodia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Cambodia's youth unemployment was 0.71% in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Cambodia's youth unemployment stood at 0.71% in 2025, a rise of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.66% by 2026. Cambodia ranked 3rd globally.
Cambodia’s youth unemployment rate has fallen to 0.71 % in 2025, ranking the country third globally according to World Bank data, and representing a substantial decline from the 1.41 % recorded in 1991. The indicator peaked at 2.04 % in 2007 before reaching its all‑time low of 0.38 % in 2019, illustrating a long‑term downward trajectory over the 35‑year coverage period. Compared with peer nations of similar rank, Qatar posted a youth unemployment rate of 0.56 % and Niger recorded 0.46 %, both slightly lower than Cambodia’s current level, while Chad and Burundi remain higher at 1.46 % and 1.68 % respectively. The sustained reduction appears linked to expanding vocational training programmes and increased private‑sector job creation, yet the modest rise from the 2019 trough suggests sensitivity to external shocks such as commodity price volatility. Continued investment in skills development and diversification of the labour market will be crucial to maintain the downward trend and prevent a reversal.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 0.62% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 0.64% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 0.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.71% | +0.01pp | #3 |
| 2024 | 0.70% | +0.00pp | #3 |
| 2023 | 0.70% | +0.02pp | #3 |
| 2022 | 0.69% | −0.14pp | #3 |
| 2021 | 0.83% | +0.36pp | #3 |
| 2020 | 0.47% | +0.10pp | #1 |
| 2019 | 0.38% | −0.00pp | #2 |
| 2018 | 0.38% | −0.00pp | #2 |
| 2017 | 0.38% | −0.76pp | #1 |
| 2016 | 1.14% | +0.39pp | #3 |
| 2015 | 0.74% | −0.31pp | #3 |
| 2014 | 1.06% | +0.30pp | #3 |
| 2013 | 0.76% | +0.08pp | #1 |
| 2012 | 0.68% | +0.08pp | #1 |
| 2011 | 0.60% | −0.37pp | #2 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cambodia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambodia's youth unemployment was 0.71% in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Cambodia's youth unemployment peaked at 2.04% in 2007.
The lowest youth unemployment in Cambodia was 0.38% in 2019.
Cambodia ranks 3rd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cambodia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 0.66% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Cambodia in 2025 was 0.71%. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cambodia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Cambodia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cambodia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}