Guatemala Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Guatemala's youth unemployment was 4.76% in 2025, ranked 25th globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's youth unemployment stood at 4.76% in 2025, a rise of +0.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.85% by 2026. Guatemala ranked 25th globally.
Guatemala's youth unemployment rate has fluctuated over the past 35 years, with the latest value standing at 4.76% in 2025. This places the country at the 25th position globally. The rate has experienced significant variations, reaching an all-time peak of 6.27% in 2022 and an all-time trough of 3.31% in 1999. Compared to its peers, Guatemala's youth unemployment rate is higher than that of Cuba, which stands at 4.28%, but lower than that of Bolivia, Plurinational State of, at 5.01%. As Guatemala's economy continues to evolve, the trajectory of its youth unemployment rate may be influenced by factors such as education and training programs, labor market reforms, and economic growth, which could potentially alter the current trend and lead to a more favorable employment landscape for its young population.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 4.91% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 4.88% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.85% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.76% | +0.14pp | #25 |
| 2024 | 4.62% | +0.30pp | #24 |
| 2023 | 4.33% | −1.95pp | #24 |
| 2022 | 6.27% | +2.49pp | #33 |
| 2021 | 3.79% | −1.37pp | #14 |
| 2020 | 5.16% | +0.70pp | #21 |
| 2019 | 4.46% | −0.22pp | #22 |
| 2018 | 4.68% | −0.26pp | #23 |
| 2017 | 4.94% | −0.64pp | #20 |
| 2016 | 5.58% | +0.00pp | #27 |
| 2015 | 5.58% | −0.11pp | #26 |
| 2014 | 5.69% | +0.18pp | #28 |
| 2013 | 5.51% | +0.89pp | #26 |
| 2012 | 4.62% | −0.37pp | #21 |
| 2011 | 4.99% | −0.31pp | #22 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala 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
Guatemala's youth unemployment was 4.76% in 2025. Ranked 25th globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from the previous year.
Guatemala's youth unemployment peaked at 6.27% in 2022.
The lowest youth unemployment in Guatemala was 3.31% in 1999.
Guatemala ranks 25th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guatemala's youth unemployment is projected to reach 4.85% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Guatemala in 2025 was 4.76%. This ranks 25th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_youth-unemployment,
title = {Guatemala Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}