Kazakhstan Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Kazakhstan's youth unemployment was 3.81% in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Kazakhstan's youth unemployment stood at 3.81% in 2025, a decline of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.65% by 2026. Kazakhstan ranked 17th globally.
Kazakhstan’s youth unemployment rate, measured as the share of job‑seeking individuals aged 15‑24, has fallen dramatically from an all‑time trough of 1.61 % in 1991 to a historic peak of 23.87 % in 1999, before descending to 3.81 % in 2025, ranking the country 17th globally. The sharp rise in the late 1990s reflected the turbulence of the post‑Soviet transition, when many state‑owned enterprises collapsed and private sector development lagged. Since the early 2000s, structural reforms, expansion of vocational training, and increased foreign investment have helped absorb young workers, bringing the rate close to peers such as Papua New Guinea (3.79 %) and Japan (3.90 %). Although the current level is modest, further reductions will depend on diversifying the economy beyond hydrocarbons, improving the match between education outcomes and market needs, and sustaining macro‑economic stability, which could push the youth unemployment rate lower in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 3.48% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 3.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.65% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.81% | −0.01pp | #17 |
| 2024 | 3.82% | +0.00pp | #16 |
| 2023 | 3.81% | −0.01pp | #16 |
| 2022 | 3.82% | −0.39pp | #18 |
| 2021 | 4.22% | +0.44pp | #16 |
| 2020 | 3.78% | +0.01pp | #12 |
| 2019 | 3.77% | −0.01pp | #15 |
| 2018 | 3.78% | −0.01pp | #15 |
| 2017 | 3.79% | −0.02pp | #12 |
| 2016 | 3.81% | +0.04pp | #16 |
| 2015 | 3.76% | −0.08pp | #16 |
| 2014 | 3.84% | −0.09pp | #17 |
| 2013 | 3.92% | −0.02pp | #17 |
| 2012 | 3.94% | −0.64pp | #18 |
| 2011 | 4.58% | −0.64pp | #20 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kazakhstan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2010. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kazakhstan's youth unemployment was 3.81% in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Kazakhstan's youth unemployment peaked at 23.87% in 1999.
The lowest youth unemployment in Kazakhstan was 1.61% in 1991.
Kazakhstan ranks 17th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kazakhstan's youth unemployment is projected to reach 3.65% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Kazakhstan in 2025 was 3.81%. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kazakhstan_youth-unemployment,
title = {Kazakhstan Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kazakhstan/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}