Libya Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Libya's youth unemployment was 50.06% in 2025, ranked 178th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Libya's youth unemployment stood at 50.06% in 2025, a decline of +0.53pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 49.39% by 2026. Libya ranked 178th globally.
Libya’s youth unemployment rate has risen steadily over the 35‑year series, moving from a trough of 43.98 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 53.56 % in 2020 before slipping slightly to 50.06 % in 2025, placing the country 178th in the world. The upward trajectory reflects persistent structural challenges in the labour market, including limited private‑sector growth and the lingering effects of political instability that have constrained job creation for young people. Compared with regional peers, Libya’s rate remains lower than South Africa’s 59.93 % but exceeds Botswana’s 46.00 % and Eswatini’s 54.33 %, underscoring a middle‑range performance within the continent. The modest decline from the 2020 peak suggests that recent policy measures aimed at vocational training and public‑sector hiring may be beginning to take effect, yet the rate remains well above the pre‑2000 level. Continued investment in diversified economic sectors and reforms to improve the business climate will be essential to reverse the upward trend and bring youth unemployment closer to the lower end of regional benchmarks.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 48.53% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 48.96% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 49.39% | - | - |
| 2025 | 50.06% | −0.53pp | #178 |
| 2024 | 50.59% | +0.72pp | #178 |
| 2023 | 49.86% | −0.98pp | #180 |
| 2022 | 50.84% | −1.25pp | #182 |
| 2021 | 52.09% | −1.48pp | #183 |
| 2020 | 53.56% | +2.99pp | #183 |
| 2019 | 50.57% | +0.43pp | #183 |
| 2018 | 50.14% | −0.33pp | #184 |
| 2017 | 50.47% | −0.91pp | #184 |
| 2016 | 51.38% | −0.16pp | #183 |
| 2015 | 51.54% | +0.86pp | #184 |
| 2014 | 50.68% | +0.10pp | #180 |
| 2013 | 50.58% | +0.70pp | #180 |
| 2012 | 49.88% | −0.49pp | #178 |
| 2011 | 50.37% | +0.81pp | #181 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Libya 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
Libya's youth unemployment was 50.06% in 2025. Ranked 178th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Libya's youth unemployment peaked at 53.56% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Libya was 43.99% in 1991.
Libya ranks 178th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Libya's youth unemployment is projected to reach 49.39% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Libya in 2025 was 50.06%. This ranks 178th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_libya_youth-unemployment,
title = {Libya Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/libya/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}