Myanmar Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Myanmar's youth unemployment was 9.81% in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Myanmar's youth unemployment stood at 9.81% in 2025, a decline of +0.16pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.70% by 2026. Myanmar ranked 69th globally.
Myanmar’s youth unemployment rate stood at 9.81 % in 2025, placing the country 69th in the global ranking. The indicator has risen sharply from a low of 1.36 % in 1991, reaching an all‑time peak of 12.82 % in 2021 before falling to a trough of 1.31 % in 2019, illustrating pronounced volatility over the 35‑year series. The recent level is comparable to peer economies such as Pakistan (9.59 %) and slightly above Australia (9.61 %) while remaining marginally below Saudi Arabia (10.01 %). The post‑peak surge coincides with heightened political uncertainty and reduced private‑sector activity, which have constrained job creation for young workers. Structural reforms aimed at expanding vocational training, improving labor market information systems, and attracting foreign direct investment could help moderate the upward trajectory and bring the rate closer to the lower end of the regional range in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 7.46% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8.08% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.81% | −0.16pp | #69 |
| 2024 | 9.97% | −0.10pp | #68 |
| 2023 | 10.07% | −0.08pp | #71 |
| 2022 | 10.15% | −2.67pp | #69 |
| 2021 | 12.82% | +7.86pp | #80 |
| 2020 | 4.96% | +3.64pp | #20 |
| 2019 | 1.31% | −0.53pp | #5 |
| 2018 | 1.84% | −1.74pp | #6 |
| 2017 | 3.59% | +1.04pp | #11 |
| 2016 | 2.55% | +0.96pp | #10 |
| 2015 | 1.59% | +0.01pp | #6 |
| 2014 | 1.58% | +0.00pp | #7 |
| 2013 | 1.57% | +0.02pp | #6 |
| 2012 | 1.56% | +0.02pp | #5 |
| 2011 | 1.53% | +0.03pp | #5 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Myanmar matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2009. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Myanmar's youth unemployment was 9.81% in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
Myanmar's youth unemployment peaked at 12.82% in 2021.
The lowest youth unemployment in Myanmar was 1.31% in 2019.
Myanmar ranks 69th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Myanmar's youth unemployment is projected to reach 8.70% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Myanmar in 2025 was 9.81%. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_myanmar_youth-unemployment,
title = {Myanmar Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/myanmar/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}