Colombia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Colombia's youth unemployment was 17.65% in 2025, ranked 121st globally. This represents a 9.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Colombia's youth unemployment stood at 17.65% in 2025, a decline of +1.76pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.70% by 2026. Colombia ranked 121st globally.
Colombia's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the all-time peak of 37.39% occurring in 2000. The country's economic instability during that period, particularly due to the impact of the dot-com bubble burst, likely contributed to this high unemployment rate among young individuals. Conversely, the all-time trough of 14.87% was reached in 1993, showcasing a relatively favorable economic climate at that time. Comparing Colombia's current youth unemployment rate of 17.65% to that of its peers, it ranks closely to Bhutan's 17.05%, indicating a relatively stable position among similar economies. However, a persistent challenge for Colombia remains its high youth unemployment rate, which could be mitigated through targeted education and job training programs, or a boost in domestic economic growth, which would likely shift the trajectory of this indicator upwards.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 12.55% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 14.12% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 15.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 17.65% | −1.76pp | #121 |
| 2024 | 19.41% | +0.05pp | #133 |
| 2023 | 19.37% | −1.61pp | #134 |
| 2022 | 20.97% | −3.79pp | #135 |
| 2021 | 24.76% | −2.49pp | #141 |
| 2020 | 27.25% | +6.59pp | #144 |
| 2019 | 20.66% | +1.21pp | #135 |
| 2018 | 19.45% | +0.98pp | #123 |
| 2017 | 18.47% | +0.19pp | #117 |
| 2016 | 18.27% | +0.96pp | #113 |
| 2015 | 17.32% | −0.93pp | #111 |
| 2014 | 18.25% | −0.48pp | #109 |
| 2013 | 18.73% | −1.36pp | #110 |
| 2012 | 20.09% | −1.08pp | #119 |
| 2011 | 21.17% | −1.40pp | #123 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Colombia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2023. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Colombia's youth unemployment was 17.65% in 2025. Ranked 121st globally. This represents a 9.1% decrease from the previous year.
Colombia's youth unemployment peaked at 37.39% in 2000.
The lowest youth unemployment in Colombia was 14.87% in 1993.
Colombia ranks 121st globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Colombia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 15.70% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Colombia in 2025 was 17.65%. This ranks 121st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_colombia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Colombia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/colombia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}