Hungary Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Hungary's unemployment rate was 4.52% in 2025, ranked 74th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Hungary's unemployment rate stood at 4.52% in 2025, a rise of +0.05pp from 2024. The IMF projects 4.30% by 2025. Hungary ranked 74th globally.
Hungary's unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 46 years. The country's all-time peak unemployment rate of 12.10% occurred in 1993, a period marked by economic transition following the collapse of communism. Conversely, Hungary's unemployment rate reached an all-time low of 0.04% in 1985, indicating a highly labor-intensive economy during the socialist era. The unemployment rate has steadily decreased since then, reaching 4.52% in 2025, ranking 74th globally. In comparison, Maldives, a peer country with a similarly low unemployment rate, has maintained a stable rate of 4.51% over the years. Hungary's unemployment rate has demonstrated a persistent downward trend since the 1990s, suggesting a gradual improvement in labor market conditions. However, any significant disruption to the global economy or a decline in Hungary's economic competitiveness could potentially alter this trend, and the country may need to address emerging labor market challenges, such as an aging workforce or changes in industry demand.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.80% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.80% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.90% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.97% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 4.20% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 4.30% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.52% | +0.05pp | #74 |
| 2024 | 4.50% | +0.43pp | #84 |
| 2023 | 4.10% | +0.50pp | #78 |
| 2022 | 3.58% | −0.47pp | #53 |
| 2021 | 4.02% | −0.10pp | #49 |
| 2020 | 4.25% | +0.95pp | #50 |
| 2019 | 3.41% | −0.16pp | #48 |
| 2018 | 3.67% | −0.38pp | #52 |
| 2017 | 4.16% | −0.82pp | #62 |
| 2016 | 5.12% | −1.51pp | #80 |
| 2015 | 6.81% | −0.71pp | #102 |
| 2014 | 7.73% | −2.10pp | #116 |
| 2013 | 10.18% | −0.50pp | #136 |
| 2012 | 11.00% | +0.33pp | #140 |
| 2011 | 11.03% | +0.25pp | #142 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hungary matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hungary's unemployment rate was 4.52% in 2025. Ranked 74th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Hungary's unemployment rate peaked at 12.10% in 1993.
The lowest unemployment rate in Hungary was 0.04% in 1985.
Hungary ranks 74th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hungary's unemployment rate is projected to reach 4.30% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Hungary in 2025 was 4.52%. This ranks 74th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hungary_unemployment-rate,
title = {Hungary Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hungary/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}