Montenegro Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Montenegro's youth unemployment was 24.44% in 2025, ranked 149th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Montenegro's youth unemployment stood at 24.44% in 2025, a rise of +0.49pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 18.25% by 2026. Montenegro ranked 149th globally.
Montenegro’s youth unemployment rate has fallen sharply from a post‑war high of 54.70 % in 1991 to a record low of 23.34 % in 2023, before edging slightly upward to 24.44 % in 2025, placing the country at 149th in the global ranking. The all‑time peak of 55.67 % occurred in 2001, reflecting the lingering effects of regional instability and limited labor‑market reforms. The subsequent decline has been driven by gradual diversification of the economy, increased vocational training programmes and the expansion of tourism‑related jobs, which have absorbed a larger share of the 15‑24 age cohort. Montenegro’s 2025 figure is closely aligned with peer nations such as Sweden (24.31 %) and Romania (24.54 %), suggesting convergence toward the lower end of the regional distribution. Continued investment in digital skills and stronger links between education institutions and emerging sectors will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory and further narrow the gap with the most successful peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11.90% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 15.08% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 18.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 24.44% | +0.49pp | #149 |
| 2024 | 23.95% | +0.62pp | #149 |
| 2023 | 23.34% | −6.46pp | #147 |
| 2022 | 29.80% | −7.60pp | #159 |
| 2021 | 37.40% | +1.18pp | #170 |
| 2020 | 36.22% | +10.91pp | #166 |
| 2019 | 25.31% | −4.31pp | #144 |
| 2018 | 29.61% | −2.24pp | #155 |
| 2017 | 31.85% | −4.22pp | #157 |
| 2016 | 36.06% | −1.66pp | #170 |
| 2015 | 37.72% | +1.71pp | #170 |
| 2014 | 36.01% | −5.82pp | #165 |
| 2013 | 41.83% | −2.21pp | #174 |
| 2012 | 44.04% | +7.00pp | #177 |
| 2011 | 37.04% | +0.33pp | #169 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Montenegro 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
Montenegro's youth unemployment was 24.44% in 2025. Ranked 149th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from the previous year.
Montenegro's youth unemployment peaked at 55.67% in 2001.
The lowest youth unemployment in Montenegro was 23.34% in 2023.
Montenegro ranks 149th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Montenegro's youth unemployment is projected to reach 18.25% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Montenegro in 2025 was 24.44%. This ranks 149th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_montenegro_youth-unemployment,
title = {Montenegro Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/montenegro/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}