Latvia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Latvia's youth unemployment was 12.95% in 2025, ranked 90th globally. This represents a 4.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Latvia's youth unemployment stood at 12.95% in 2025, a decline of +0.66pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 12.19% by 2026. Latvia ranked 90th globally.
Latvia’s youth unemployment rate stands at 12.95 % in 2025, placing the country 90th in the world and slightly above the 12.71 % recorded by Cyprus, a peer with a comparable ranking. The indicator has traversed a volatile path over the 35‑year series, rising sharply from a post‑Soviet trough of 5.03 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 38.26 % in 1996 as the economy adjusted to market reforms. Since that high, the rate has generally declined, hovering in the low‑teens for the past decade, a level that reflects both structural labour‑market reforms and the impact of EU cohesion funds aimed at improving skill formation. The recent modest increase to 12.95 % suggests some sensitivity to cyclical shocks, yet the long‑term downward trajectory remains intact. Continued investment in vocational training and the expansion of digital‑economy jobs are likely to sustain the gradual reduction in youth unemployment, provided macro‑economic conditions remain stable.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11.13% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 11.66% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 12.19% | - | - |
| 2025 | 12.95% | −0.66pp | #90 |
| 2024 | 13.61% | +1.29pp | #98 |
| 2023 | 12.32% | −2.95pp | #91 |
| 2022 | 15.27% | +0.48pp | #107 |
| 2021 | 14.79% | −0.08pp | #93 |
| 2020 | 14.87% | +2.45pp | #88 |
| 2019 | 12.42% | +0.22pp | #93 |
| 2018 | 12.19% | −4.78pp | #93 |
| 2017 | 16.97% | −0.30pp | #111 |
| 2016 | 17.27% | +0.96pp | #110 |
| 2015 | 16.32% | −3.28pp | #102 |
| 2014 | 19.60% | −3.64pp | #118 |
| 2013 | 23.24% | −5.33pp | #127 |
| 2012 | 28.56% | −2.51pp | #147 |
| 2011 | 31.07% | −5.17pp | #155 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Latvia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Latvia's youth unemployment was 12.95% in 2025. Ranked 90th globally. This represents a 4.9% decrease from the previous year.
Latvia's youth unemployment peaked at 38.26% in 1996.
The lowest youth unemployment in Latvia was 5.03% in 1991.
Latvia ranks 90th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Latvia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 12.19% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Latvia in 2025 was 12.95%. This ranks 90th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_latvia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Latvia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/latvia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}