Nicaragua Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Nicaragua's youth unemployment was 9.54% in 2025, ranked 66th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's youth unemployment stood at 9.54% in 2025, a decline of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.89% by 2026. Nicaragua ranked 66th globally.
Nicaragua’s youth unemployment rate stood at 9.54 percent in 2025, placing the country 66th in the world and matching Slovenia’s 2025 figure while slightly below Pakistan’s 9.59 percent and Peru’s 9.45 percent. Over the 35‑year series beginning in 1991, the rate fell from an early‑period high of 12.01 percent to an all‑time low of 6.25 percent in 2017, before rising again to a peak of 12.72 percent during the global financial crisis of 2009. The post‑crisis rebound reflects both domestic labor‑market adjustments and broader regional shocks, while the 2017 trough coincided with expanded vocational training programmes and modest growth in sectors such as agribusiness. The recent convergence with peers suggests that policy measures aimed at skills development and private‑sector job creation will be pivotal; sustained investment in these areas could keep the unemployment rate on a downward trajectory in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 8.30% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8.60% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.54% | −0.04pp | #66 |
| 2024 | 9.58% | +0.38pp | #66 |
| 2023 | 9.20% | −0.30pp | #63 |
| 2022 | 9.50% | −1.55pp | #62 |
| 2021 | 11.06% | −0.37pp | #69 |
| 2020 | 11.42% | +1.37pp | #65 |
| 2019 | 10.06% | +0.34pp | #72 |
| 2018 | 9.71% | +3.46pp | #70 |
| 2017 | 6.25% | −1.09pp | #28 |
| 2016 | 7.34% | −1.46pp | #40 |
| 2015 | 8.79% | +0.36pp | #53 |
| 2014 | 8.44% | −0.57pp | #49 |
| 2013 | 9.01% | +0.87pp | #55 |
| 2012 | 8.14% | −2.05pp | #45 |
| 2011 | 10.19% | −1.89pp | #71 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicaragua's youth unemployment was 9.54% in 2025. Ranked 66th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Nicaragua's youth unemployment peaked at 12.72% in 2009.
The lowest youth unemployment in Nicaragua was 6.25% in 2017.
Nicaragua ranks 66th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nicaragua's youth unemployment is projected to reach 8.89% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Nicaragua in 2025 was 9.54%. This ranks 66th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_youth-unemployment,
title = {Nicaragua Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}