Costa Rica Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Costa Rica's youth unemployment stood at 19.95% in 2025, a decline of +0.53pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 12.31% by 2026. Costa Rica ranked 134th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 2.56% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 7.44% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 12.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.95% | −0.53pp | #134 |
| 2024 | 20.48% | −3.83pp | #136 |
| 2023 | 24.31% | −6.41pp | #150 |
| 2022 | 30.72% | −8.48pp | #161 |
| 2021 | 39.20% | −0.91pp | #174 |
| 2020 | 40.11% | +8.92pp | #172 |
| 2019 | 31.19% | +6.12pp | #160 |
| 2018 | 25.07% | +4.34pp | #144 |
| 2017 | 20.74% | −0.91pp | #128 |
| 2016 | 21.65% | −0.71pp | #126 |
| 2015 | 22.36% | −1.87pp | #132 |
| 2014 | 24.23% | +2.67pp | #135 |
| 2013 | 21.56% | −0.81pp | #122 |
| 2012 | 22.37% | +0.34pp | #125 |
| 2011 | 22.04% | +4.66pp | #126 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's youth unemployment was 19.95% in 2025. Ranked 134th globally. This represents a 2.6% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's youth unemployment peaked at 40.11% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Costa Rica was 7.63% in 1992.
Costa Rica ranks 134th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's youth unemployment is projected to reach 12.31% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Costa Rica in 2025 was 19.95%. This ranks 134th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_youth-unemployment,
title = {Costa Rica Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}