Iraq Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
Iraq's youth unemployment stood at 32.01% in 2025, a rise of +0.29pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 30.34% by 2026. Iraq ranked 164th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 28.87% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 29.60% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 30.34% | - | - |
| 2025 | 32.01% | +0.29pp | #164 |
| 2024 | 31.73% | +0.21pp | #164 |
| 2023 | 31.51% | −0.28pp | #166 |
| 2022 | 31.79% | −3.86pp | #166 |
| 2021 | 35.65% | +1.20pp | #167 |
| 2020 | 34.45% | +4.70pp | #160 |
| 2019 | 29.75% | +2.41pp | #158 |
| 2018 | 27.34% | +2.06pp | #150 |
| 2017 | 25.28% | +2.83pp | #145 |
| 2016 | 22.45% | +1.06pp | #132 |
| 2015 | 21.39% | +1.48pp | #127 |
| 2014 | 19.91% | +2.00pp | #120 |
| 2013 | 17.91% | +1.82pp | #106 |
| 2012 | 16.09% | −0.36pp | #96 |
| 2011 | 16.45% | −0.13pp | #97 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iraq matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq's youth unemployment was 32.01% in 2025. Ranked 164th globally. This represents a 0.9% increase from the previous year.
Iraq's youth unemployment peaked at 35.65% in 2021.
The lowest youth unemployment in Iraq was 15.21% in 1994.
Iraq ranks 164th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iraq's youth unemployment is projected to reach 30.34% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Iraq in 2025 was 32.01%. This ranks 164th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iraq_youth-unemployment,
title = {Iraq Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iraq/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}