Malta Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Malta's youth unemployment was 8.43% in 2025, ranked 52nd globally. This represents a 7.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Malta's youth unemployment stood at 8.43% in 2025, a decline of +0.69pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.31% by 2026. Malta ranked 52nd globally.
Malta’s youth unemployment rate has fallen to 8.43 % in 2025, placing the country 52nd in the global ranking and marking the all‑time trough after 35 years of observation. This contrasts sharply with the all‑time peak of 18.59 % recorded in 2004, when the domestic labour market struggled to absorb graduates amid sluggish growth. The sustained decline since the mid‑2000s reflects structural reforms, increased vocational training, and tighter alignment between tertiary curricula and sectoral demand, which have helped narrow the gap with peers such as the Kyrgyz Republic (8.23 % in 2025) and Honduras (8.53 %). Nevertheless, the rate remains above the European Union average, indicating residual frictions for young entrants. Continued investment in digital skills and stronger public‑private partnerships could reinforce the downward trajectory, while any slowdown in economic expansion or tightening of fiscal policy might stall further improvements.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 7.75% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8.03% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.43% | −0.69pp | #52 |
| 2024 | 9.12% | −0.20pp | #60 |
| 2023 | 9.32% | +0.26pp | #64 |
| 2022 | 9.06% | −0.81pp | #57 |
| 2021 | 9.87% | −1.67pp | #59 |
| 2020 | 11.54% | +1.47pp | #66 |
| 2019 | 10.07% | +0.72pp | #73 |
| 2018 | 9.36% | −1.23pp | #64 |
| 2017 | 10.59% | −0.12pp | #74 |
| 2016 | 10.71% | −0.94pp | #71 |
| 2015 | 11.65% | −0.04pp | #78 |
| 2014 | 11.70% | −1.03pp | #77 |
| 2013 | 12.73% | −1.12pp | #80 |
| 2012 | 13.85% | +0.51pp | #83 |
| 2011 | 13.34% | +0.10pp | #82 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malta matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malta's youth unemployment was 8.43% in 2025. Ranked 52nd globally. This represents a 7.5% decrease from the previous year.
Malta's youth unemployment peaked at 18.59% in 2004.
The lowest youth unemployment in Malta was 8.43% in 2025.
Malta ranks 52nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malta's youth unemployment is projected to reach 8.31% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Malta in 2025 was 8.43%. This ranks 52nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malta_youth-unemployment,
title = {Malta Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malta/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}