Kyrgyz Republic Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Kyrgyz Republic's youth unemployment was 8.23% in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 2.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Kyrgyz Republic's youth unemployment stood at 8.23% in 2025, a decline of +0.19pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.73% by 2026. Kyrgyz Republic ranked 51st globally.
Kyrgyz Republic youth unemployment has risen from a historic low of 1.98 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 12.82 % in 2019, before easing to 8.23 % in 2025, placing the country 51st globally. The sharp increase during the 2010s reflects structural mismatches between labor‑market demand and the skills of recent graduates, compounded by limited private‑sector growth and modest wage differentials. By 2025 the rate is marginally below that of Trinidad and Tobago (8.22 %) and Malta (8.43 %), suggesting Kyrgyzstan is converging toward the lower end of the regional distribution but remains above the global average for youth. The recent moderation may be linked to modest expansion in service‑sector employment and targeted vocational programmes, yet the persistence of informal work and limited access to finance for startups constrain further declines. Continued investment in skill‑aligned education and incentives for youth‑focused enterprises will be critical if Kyrgyzstan is to sustain the downward trajectory and narrow the gap with its peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 4.86% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5.80% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.73% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.23% | −0.19pp | #51 |
| 2024 | 8.42% | −0.03pp | #52 |
| 2023 | 8.45% | −2.46pp | #54 |
| 2022 | 10.91% | −0.73pp | #81 |
| 2021 | 11.65% | −0.21pp | #72 |
| 2020 | 11.86% | −0.96pp | #69 |
| 2019 | 12.82% | +3.26pp | #96 |
| 2018 | 9.56% | +0.26pp | #65 |
| 2017 | 9.30% | +0.38pp | #61 |
| 2016 | 8.93% | +0.42pp | #53 |
| 2015 | 8.51% | +0.38pp | #47 |
| 2014 | 8.13% | +0.48pp | #46 |
| 2013 | 7.65% | +0.11pp | #42 |
| 2012 | 7.55% | +0.46pp | #39 |
| 2011 | 7.09% | +0.35pp | #37 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kyrgyz Republic matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyrgyz Republic's youth unemployment was 8.23% in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 2.3% decrease from the previous year.
Kyrgyz Republic's youth unemployment peaked at 12.82% in 2019.
The lowest youth unemployment in Kyrgyz Republic was 1.98% in 1991.
Kyrgyz Republic ranks 51st globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kyrgyz Republic's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.73% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Kyrgyz Republic in 2025 was 8.23%. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kyrgyz-republic_youth-unemployment,
title = {Kyrgyz Republic Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kyrgyz-republic/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}