Nicaragua Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Nicaragua's unemployment rate was 5.04% in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 49.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's unemployment rate stood at 5.04% in 2025, a rise of +1.68pp from 2024. The IMF projects 3.36% by 2025. Nicaragua ranked 87th globally.
Nicaragua’s unemployment rate has fallen dramatically since the early 1990s, when it peaked at 15.50 % in 1990, to a trough of 3.30 % in 2017, before rising modestly to 5.04 % in 2025, placing the country 87th in the world. The decline from the 1990 peak reflects structural adjustments, expansion of informal employment, and modest growth in services and agro‑industry, while the recent uptick coincides with tighter labor markets and the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Over the 46‑year series, Nicaragua’s rate remains comparable to peers such as Croatia (5.00 %) and Malawi (5.07 %), suggesting a convergence toward regional averages despite divergent economic structures. The modest increase to 5.04 % in 2025 signals a potential reversal of the long‑term downward trend; sustained investment in formal job creation, vocational training, and macro‑economic stability will be crucial to prevent a return to higher unemployment levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 3.36% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.04% | +1.68pp | #87 |
| 2024 | 4.98% | +1.62pp | #91 |
| 2023 | 4.70% | +1.17pp | #87 |
| 2022 | 4.97% | +1.30pp | #87 |
| 2021 | 6.08% | +1.26pp | #97 |
| 2020 | 6.18% | +1.25pp | #94 |
| 2019 | 5.46% | +0.21pp | #101 |
| 2018 | 5.20% | +1.93pp | #93 |
| 2017 | 3.30% | −0.55pp | #38 |
| 2016 | 3.90% | −0.80pp | #49 |
| 2015 | 4.70% | −1.86pp | #69 |
| 2014 | 4.52% | −1.23pp | #63 |
| 2013 | 5.28% | −0.63pp | #77 |
| 2012 | 5.21% | −0.72pp | #78 |
| 2011 | 6.61% | −1.22pp | #95 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicaragua's unemployment rate was 5.04% in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 49.9% increase from the previous year.
Nicaragua's unemployment rate peaked at 15.50% in 1990.
The lowest unemployment rate in Nicaragua was 3.30% in 2017.
Nicaragua ranks 87th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nicaragua's unemployment rate is projected to reach 3.36% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Nicaragua in 2025 was 5.04%. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_unemployment-rate,
title = {Nicaragua Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}