Malta Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Malta's unemployment rate was 2.90% in 2025, ranked 37th globally. This represents a 7.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1983–2025.
Overview
Malta's unemployment rate stood at 2.90% in 2025, a decline of +0.22pp from 2024. The IMF projects 2.50% by 2025. Malta ranked 37th globally.
Malta’s unemployment rate has fallen dramatically over the 43‑year series, sliding from an all‑time peak of 12.50 % in 1984 to a trough of 2.90 % in 2025, the lowest level recorded in the series and the 37th‑lowest globally according to World Bank data. The decline reflects structural reforms, a shift toward services, and the resilience of the tourism and financial sectors, which have absorbed labour displaced from traditional industries. By contrast, peer economies such as Bolivia (2.97 %) and Mali (2.83 %) are clustered around a similar low‑unemployment environment, suggesting that Malta’s performance is broadly comparable to other small, open economies that have capitalised on niche export markets. The sustained reduction points to a tight labour market, yet the outlook remains contingent on external shocks; a resurgence in global travel disruptions or financial volatility could reverse the downward trajectory, while continued diversification may further entrench the low‑unemployment trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.90% | −0.22pp | #37 |
| 2024 | 3.10% | −0.38pp | #45 |
| 2023 | 3.48% | +0.00pp | #58 |
| 2022 | 3.47% | −0.30pp | #49 |
| 2021 | 3.75% | −1.10pp | #41 |
| 2020 | 4.86% | +0.77pp | #62 |
| 2019 | 4.08% | +0.12pp | #65 |
| 2018 | 3.96% | −0.05pp | #60 |
| 2017 | 4.01% | −0.69pp | #56 |
| 2016 | 4.69% | −0.70pp | #70 |
| 2015 | 5.39% | −0.34pp | #81 |
| 2014 | 5.74% | −0.37pp | #85 |
| 2013 | 6.12% | −0.09pp | #90 |
| 2012 | 6.20% | −0.19pp | #90 |
| 2011 | 6.39% | −0.45pp | #91 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malta's unemployment rate was 2.90% in 2025. Ranked 37th globally. This represents a 7.1% decrease from the previous year.
Malta's unemployment rate peaked at 12.50% in 1983.
The lowest unemployment rate in Malta was 2.90% in 2025.
Malta ranks 37th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's unemployment rate is projected to reach 2.50% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Malta in 2025 was 2.90%. This ranks 37th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_unemployment-rate,
title = {Malta Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}