Panama Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Panama's youth unemployment was 19.77% in 2025, ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Panama's youth unemployment stood at 19.77% in 2025, a rise of +0.09pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 18.15% by 2026. Panama ranked 133rd globally.
Panama's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the latest figure standing at 19.77% in 2025, ranking 133 globally. The indicator peaked at 33.03% in 2020, mirroring the global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the trough occurred in 2012, when the rate plummeted to 9.58%, reflecting an improvement in the country's economic prospects during that period. A comparison with peer countries reveals that Estonia, with a youth unemployment rate of 19.70%, exhibits a similar trend. The fluctuations in Panama's youth unemployment rate suggest an economy still grappling with structural challenges. A sustained recovery in the global economy and investments in education and vocational training may help to stabilize and eventually reduce the youth unemployment rate in Panama, potentially altering the trajectory in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 17.23% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 17.69% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 18.15% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.77% | +0.09pp | #133 |
| 2024 | 19.68% | +2.92pp | #134 |
| 2023 | 16.77% | −2.42pp | #118 |
| 2022 | 19.19% | −3.15pp | #130 |
| 2021 | 22.34% | −10.70pp | #132 |
| 2020 | 33.03% | +15.91pp | #155 |
| 2019 | 17.13% | +3.03pp | #119 |
| 2018 | 14.10% | −0.72pp | #100 |
| 2017 | 14.82% | +2.52pp | #102 |
| 2016 | 12.30% | +0.62pp | #82 |
| 2015 | 11.68% | +0.15pp | #79 |
| 2014 | 11.52% | +1.63pp | #76 |
| 2013 | 9.90% | +0.31pp | #68 |
| 2012 | 9.58% | −1.52pp | #66 |
| 2011 | 11.10% | −2.33pp | #77 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Panama's youth unemployment was 19.77% in 2025. Ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Panama's youth unemployment peaked at 33.03% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Panama was 9.58% in 2012.
Panama ranks 133rd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Panama's youth unemployment is projected to reach 18.15% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Panama in 2025 was 19.77%. This ranks 133rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_youth-unemployment,
title = {Panama Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}