Italy Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Italy's youth unemployment was 20.55% in 2025, ranked 137th globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Italy's youth unemployment stood at 20.55% in 2025, a rise of +0.30pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.87% by 2026. Italy ranked 137th globally.
Italy’s youth unemployment rate has fallen sharply from its all‑time peak of 42.67 % in 2014 to a trough of 20.25 % in 2024, before edging slightly higher to 20.55 % in 2025, placing the country 137th globally. The 35‑year series shows a persistent downward trajectory since the mid‑2010s, driven by modest labor‑market reforms and a gradual recovery in sectors that traditionally absorb younger workers, such as services and tourism. Compared with peers of similar rank, Italy’s rate is marginally above Portugal’s 20.22 % and closely matches Nepal’s 20.56 %, indicating that the country remains near the lower end of the international distribution. The slight uptick from the 2024 trough suggests that the recent slowdown in job creation for graduates may be limiting further gains, but continued investment in vocational training and digital skills could sustain the downward trend and push Italy closer to the performance of its best‑aligned peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 12.53% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 14.70% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 16.87% | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.55% | +0.30pp | #137 |
| 2024 | 20.25% | −2.48pp | #135 |
| 2023 | 22.73% | −0.98pp | #144 |
| 2022 | 23.70% | −5.96pp | #147 |
| 2021 | 29.67% | +0.04pp | #153 |
| 2020 | 29.63% | +0.53pp | #148 |
| 2019 | 29.10% | −3.08pp | #157 |
| 2018 | 32.19% | −2.54pp | #161 |
| 2017 | 34.73% | −3.03pp | #165 |
| 2016 | 37.76% | −2.56pp | #173 |
| 2015 | 40.32% | −2.35pp | #172 |
| 2014 | 42.67% | +2.65pp | #175 |
| 2013 | 40.02% | +4.73pp | #170 |
| 2012 | 35.29% | +6.15pp | #166 |
| 2011 | 29.15% | +1.24pp | #150 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Italy's youth unemployment was 20.55% in 2025. Ranked 137th globally. This represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
Italy's youth unemployment peaked at 42.67% in 2014.
The lowest youth unemployment in Italy was 20.25% in 2024.
Italy ranks 137th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Italy's youth unemployment is projected to reach 16.87% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Italy in 2025 was 20.55%. This ranks 137th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_youth-unemployment,
title = {Italy Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}