Mauritania Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Mauritania's youth unemployment was 22.92% in 2025, ranked 146th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Mauritania's youth unemployment stood at 22.92% in 2025, a decline of +0.12pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 22.21% by 2026. Mauritania ranked 146th globally.
Mauritania’s youth unemployment rate has risen steadily over the 35‑year series, reaching 22.92 % in 2025, which places the country 146th in the global ranking. After a low of 14.37 % in 2006, the indicator climbed to an all‑time peak of 25.52 % in 2020 before moderating to its current level. The upward trajectory mirrors the experience of peer economies such as Morocco, where youth unemployment stands at 21.88 %, suggesting regional labor‑market pressures. The early 2000s trough coincided with modest economic expansion, while the 2020 peak reflected pandemic‑related disruptions and a slowdown in job creation for young workers. Despite the recent easing from the 2020 high, the rate remains well above the 1991 baseline of 15.10 %, indicating persistent structural challenges. Continued investment in vocational training and diversification of the private sector could help reverse the trend and bring youth unemployment closer to its historical lows.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 21.34% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 21.78% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 22.21% | - | - |
| 2025 | 22.92% | −0.12pp | #146 |
| 2024 | 23.04% | −0.20pp | #146 |
| 2023 | 23.24% | −0.27pp | #146 |
| 2022 | 23.51% | −1.35pp | #146 |
| 2021 | 24.85% | −0.66pp | #142 |
| 2020 | 25.52% | +2.15pp | #138 |
| 2019 | 23.37% | +1.18pp | #141 |
| 2018 | 22.20% | +1.23pp | #134 |
| 2017 | 20.97% | +1.14pp | #129 |
| 2016 | 19.83% | +1.32pp | #118 |
| 2015 | 18.50% | +1.15pp | #115 |
| 2014 | 17.36% | +1.16pp | #104 |
| 2013 | 16.20% | +1.11pp | #97 |
| 2012 | 15.09% | −0.13pp | #90 |
| 2011 | 15.22% | −0.13pp | #91 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mauritania matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mauritania's youth unemployment was 22.92% in 2025. Ranked 146th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Mauritania's youth unemployment peaked at 25.52% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Mauritania was 14.37% in 2006.
Mauritania ranks 146th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mauritania's youth unemployment is projected to reach 22.21% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Mauritania in 2025 was 22.92%. This ranks 146th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mauritania_youth-unemployment,
title = {Mauritania Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mauritania/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}