Mauritius Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Mauritius's youth unemployment was 17.37% in 2025, ranked 120th globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Mauritius's youth unemployment stood at 17.37% in 2025, a rise of +0.88pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.06% by 2026. Mauritius ranked 120th globally.
Mauritius’ youth unemployment rate stood at 17.37 % in 2025, placing the island nation at 120th in the World Bank’s global ranking. The indicator has trended downward since its all‑time peak of 27.84 % in 2001, reaching an all‑time trough of 16.45 % in 2023 before a modest uptick. Over the 35‑year series, the decline reflects structural reforms in education and labor market policies that have gradually aligned skills with demand, though the recent rise suggests lingering frictions for entry‑level workers. Mauritius’ rate is comparable to peer economies such as Bhutan (17.05 %) and Colombia (17.65 %) in 2025, indicating a regional convergence around mid‑teens unemployment among young adults. Continued emphasis on vocational training, digital upskilling and incentives for youth‑focused enterprises will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory and prevent a reversal of the gains achieved since the early 2000s.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 8.70% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 10.88% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 13.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | 17.37% | +0.88pp | #120 |
| 2024 | 16.50% | +0.05pp | #117 |
| 2023 | 16.45% | −5.87pp | #117 |
| 2022 | 22.32% | −3.05pp | #140 |
| 2021 | 25.37% | +0.34pp | #145 |
| 2020 | 25.03% | +2.95pp | #136 |
| 2019 | 22.08% | −2.11pp | #137 |
| 2018 | 24.20% | −0.04pp | #140 |
| 2017 | 24.23% | +1.25pp | #139 |
| 2016 | 22.98% | −2.59pp | #133 |
| 2015 | 25.56% | +0.84pp | #143 |
| 2014 | 24.73% | +2.55pp | #139 |
| 2013 | 22.18% | −1.40pp | #126 |
| 2012 | 23.57% | +1.99pp | #131 |
| 2011 | 21.59% | −1.94pp | #124 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mauritius matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mauritius's youth unemployment was 17.37% in 2025. Ranked 120th globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from the previous year.
Mauritius's youth unemployment peaked at 27.84% in 2001.
The lowest youth unemployment in Mauritius was 16.45% in 2023.
Mauritius ranks 120th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mauritius's youth unemployment is projected to reach 13.06% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Mauritius in 2025 was 17.37%. This ranks 120th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mauritius_youth-unemployment,
title = {Mauritius Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mauritius/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}