France Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
France's youth unemployment was 18.89% in 2025, ranked 128th globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
France's youth unemployment stood at 18.89% in 2025, a rise of +0.29pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 18.41% by 2026. France ranked 128th globally.
France’s youth unemployment rate stood at 18.89 % in 2025, placing the country 128th in the global ranking and closely matching peers such as Sri Lanka (18.58 %) and Argentina (19.19 %). Over the 35‑year series, the indicator has shown considerable volatility, climbing to an all‑time peak of 28.57 % in 1997 before falling to a trough of 17.18 % in 2003. The post‑2003 decline reflected a combination of labor‑market reforms and a strong macroeconomic environment, yet the recent resurgence to nearly 19 % suggests that the gains of the early 2000s have not been fully consolidated. Structural mismatches between education outcomes and market demand, together with cyclical downturns, continue to pressure the French youth labor market. If policy measures aimed at improving skill alignment and expanding apprenticeship opportunities are intensified, the upward trajectory could be moderated, allowing the rate to move back toward the lower end of its historical range.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 18.42% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 18.41% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 18.41% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.89% | +0.29pp | #128 |
| 2024 | 18.60% | +1.18pp | #127 |
| 2023 | 17.42% | −0.44pp | #122 |
| 2022 | 17.86% | −1.40pp | #120 |
| 2021 | 19.25% | −1.15pp | #121 |
| 2020 | 20.40% | +0.47pp | #121 |
| 2019 | 19.93% | −1.02pp | #129 |
| 2018 | 20.95% | −1.62pp | #132 |
| 2017 | 22.57% | −2.37pp | #135 |
| 2016 | 24.94% | −0.32pp | #141 |
| 2015 | 25.26% | +0.43pp | #141 |
| 2014 | 24.83% | +0.47pp | #141 |
| 2013 | 24.36% | −0.59pp | #135 |
| 2012 | 24.95% | +1.93pp | #138 |
| 2011 | 23.02% | −0.57pp | #135 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
France matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
France's youth unemployment was 18.89% in 2025. Ranked 128th globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
France's youth unemployment peaked at 28.57% in 1997.
The lowest youth unemployment in France was 17.18% in 2003.
France ranks 128th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
France's youth unemployment is projected to reach 18.41% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of France in 2025 was 18.89%. This ranks 128th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_france_youth-unemployment,
title = {France Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/france/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}