Macao SAR, China Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Macao SAR, China's youth unemployment was 6.78% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Macao SAR, China's youth unemployment stood at 6.78% in 2025, a rise of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.83% by 2026. Macao SAR, China ranked 39th globally.
Macao SAR’s youth unemployment rate stood at 6.78 % in 2025, placing it 39th in the world and virtually equal to Singapore’s 6.78 % and slightly above Korea’s 6.70 % (World Bank). The indicator has fluctuated over a 35‑year span, rising from a trough of 3.22 % in 1993 to a peak of 11.81 % in 2003 before settling at the current level. The early 2000s surge coincided with regional financial turbulence that disproportionately affected service‑oriented economies, while the subsequent decline reflected Macao’s rapid recovery driven by tourism and gaming revenues. Despite recent stability, the rate remains higher than the 1991 baseline of 4.54 %, suggesting that structural factors such as labor market rigidity and demographic shifts continue to exert pressure. Continued diversification of the economy and targeted vocational training could moderate the upward pressure and steer the youth unemployment trend lower in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6.93% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.88% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.83% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.78% | +0.09pp | #39 |
| 2024 | 6.69% | +0.14pp | #41 |
| 2023 | 6.56% | −0.39pp | #38 |
| 2022 | 6.95% | +0.56pp | #43 |
| 2021 | 6.39% | −1.20pp | #30 |
| 2020 | 7.59% | +2.66pp | #33 |
| 2019 | 4.94% | −0.12pp | #27 |
| 2018 | 5.05% | −0.05pp | #26 |
| 2017 | 5.10% | +0.12pp | #23 |
| 2016 | 4.98% | +0.64pp | #22 |
| 2015 | 4.34% | +0.45pp | #22 |
| 2014 | 3.89% | −0.24pp | #18 |
| 2013 | 4.13% | −1.35pp | #19 |
| 2012 | 5.48% | −0.27pp | #26 |
| 2011 | 5.75% | +0.34pp | #27 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Macao SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Macao SAR, China's youth unemployment was 6.78% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from the previous year.
Macao SAR, China's youth unemployment peaked at 11.81% in 2003.
The lowest youth unemployment in Macao SAR, China was 3.22% in 1993.
Macao SAR, China ranks 39th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Macao SAR, China's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.83% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Macao SAR, China in 2025 was 6.78%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_macao-sar-china_youth-unemployment,
title = {Macao SAR, China Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/macao-sar-china/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}