Iceland Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Iceland's youth unemployment was 8.67% in 2025, ranked 54th globally. This represents a 1.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
Iceland's youth unemployment rate stood at 8.67% in 2025, ranking the country 54th globally, a level comparable to that of Malta at 8.43% and slightly above São Tomé and Principe’s 8.79%. Over a 35-year period since 1991, when the rate was 4.85%, Iceland experienced significant fluctuations, reaching an all-time peak of 15.86% in 2010 in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, which severely impacted its economy. The lowest recorded rate was 4.19% in 1999, reflecting strong labor market conditions for young people at the time. Since the 2010 peak, the rate has generally declined, suggesting improved economic resilience and labor market integration for youth. While the 2025 figure indicates a relatively moderate level of youth unemployment by international standards, it remains above the historical trough and signals persistent challenges in fully engaging young workers. Future improvements in youth employment are likely to depend on sustained economic diversification, targeted education-to-work transitions, and labor market policies responsive to structural changes.
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}
}