Congo, Democratic Republic of Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Congo, Democratic Republic of's unemployment rate was 4.43% in 2025, ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's unemployment rate stood at 4.43% in 2025, a rise of +0.01pp from 2024. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 72nd globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's unemployment rate has experienced fluctuations over the past 35 years, with the latest figure standing at 4.43% in 2025, ranking 72 globally. The country witnessed a peak unemployment rate of 5.36% in 2020, while the trough of 2.95% was recorded in 2005. Comparatively, Turkmenistan reported a lower unemployment rate of 4.27% in 2025. The unemployment rate in the DRC has generally trended upwards since the 1991 low of 3.27%, indicating a gradual increase in joblessness over the years. A closer examination of the unemployment rate reveals that it has been influenced by a combination of factors, including economic growth, education, and labor market policies. To mitigate rising unemployment, the DRC would need to focus on stimulating economic growth, investing in education and training programs, and implementing policies that promote job creation and labor market flexibility.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4.43% | +0.01pp | #72 |
| 2024 | 4.42% | −0.05pp | #82 |
| 2023 | 4.47% | −0.07pp | #84 |
| 2022 | 4.54% | −0.75pp | #81 |
| 2021 | 5.29% | −0.07pp | #82 |
| 2020 | 5.36% | +0.75pp | #74 |
| 2019 | 4.61% | −0.03pp | #81 |
| 2018 | 4.63% | +0.02pp | #77 |
| 2017 | 4.61% | +0.09pp | #74 |
| 2016 | 4.53% | +0.09pp | #64 |
| 2015 | 4.44% | +0.00pp | #61 |
| 2014 | 4.44% | −0.03pp | #62 |
| 2013 | 4.47% | −0.02pp | #65 |
| 2012 | 4.49% | +0.17pp | #66 |
| 2011 | 4.32% | +0.22pp | #60 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's unemployment rate was 4.43% in 2025. Ranked 72nd globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's unemployment rate peaked at 5.36% in 2020.
The lowest unemployment rate in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 2.95% in 2005.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 72nd 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 Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 4.43%. This ranks 72nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_unemployment-rate,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}