Iceland Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Iceland's youth unemployment stood at 8.67% in 2025, a decline of +0.11pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.45% by 2026. Iceland ranked 54th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6.26% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.85% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 7.45% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.67% | −0.11pp | #54 |
| 2024 | 8.78% | +0.29pp | #56 |
| 2023 | 8.49% | +0.07pp | #55 |
| 2022 | 8.42% | −3.41pp | #53 |
| 2021 | 11.83% | +1.96pp | #74 |
| 2020 | 9.87% | +1.42pp | #49 |
| 2019 | 8.45% | +2.55pp | #54 |
| 2018 | 5.90% | −1.64pp | #29 |
| 2017 | 7.54% | +1.23pp | #43 |
| 2016 | 6.32% | −2.26pp | #30 |
| 2015 | 8.58% | −0.99pp | #51 |
| 2014 | 9.57% | −0.85pp | #62 |
| 2013 | 10.42% | −2.79pp | #74 |
| 2012 | 13.20% | −0.95pp | #81 |
| 2011 | 14.15% | −1.71pp | #86 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iceland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iceland's youth unemployment was 8.67% in 2025. Ranked 54th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from the previous year.
Iceland's youth unemployment peaked at 15.86% in 2010.
The lowest youth unemployment in Iceland was 4.19% in 1999.
Iceland ranks 54th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iceland's youth unemployment is projected to reach 7.45% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Iceland in 2025 was 8.67%. This ranks 54th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iceland_youth-unemployment,
title = {Iceland Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iceland/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}