Guyana Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Guyana's youth unemployment was 24.90% in 2025, ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Guyana's youth unemployment stood at 24.90% in 2025, a rise of +0.15pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23.12% by 2026. Guyana ranked 153rd globally.
Guyana’s youth unemployment rate stood at 24.90 % in 2025, placing the country 153rd in the global ranking and closely matching Spain’s 24.75 % and Uruguay’s 25.15 % rates. The indicator has fluctuated over a 35‑year span, rising from a low of 21.36 % in 2006 to an all‑time peak of 31.00 % in 2020, before retreating to the current level. The post‑pandemic surge in 2020 reflected constrained labor‑market absorption for recent graduates, while modest recovery since then has been driven by modest growth in the services sector and targeted vocational programmes. Nevertheless, the persistence of a rate near the mid‑20s suggests structural mismatches between education outcomes and market demand, compounded by limited private‑sector expansion. Continued diversification of the economy, especially through renewable‑energy projects and export‑oriented manufacturing, could lower the youth unemployment rate further, provided policy reforms improve skill alignment and stimulate job creation.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 21.47% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 22.30% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 23.12% | - | - |
| 2025 | 24.90% | +0.15pp | #153 |
| 2024 | 24.74% | +0.04pp | #151 |
| 2023 | 24.71% | +0.14pp | #151 |
| 2022 | 24.57% | −4.56pp | #149 |
| 2021 | 29.12% | −1.88pp | #152 |
| 2020 | 31.00% | +4.69pp | #153 |
| 2019 | 26.30% | +1.05pp | #150 |
| 2018 | 25.25% | +0.30pp | #145 |
| 2017 | 24.96% | +0.36pp | #142 |
| 2016 | 24.60% | +0.39pp | #139 |
| 2015 | 24.21% | +0.52pp | #136 |
| 2014 | 23.69% | +0.44pp | #131 |
| 2013 | 23.26% | +0.30pp | #128 |
| 2012 | 22.96% | +0.23pp | #129 |
| 2011 | 22.72% | +0.18pp | #132 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guyana 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
Guyana's youth unemployment was 24.90% in 2025. Ranked 153rd globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Guyana's youth unemployment peaked at 31.00% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Guyana was 21.36% in 2006.
Guyana ranks 153rd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guyana's youth unemployment is projected to reach 23.12% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Guyana in 2025 was 24.90%. This ranks 153rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guyana_youth-unemployment,
title = {Guyana Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guyana/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}