Philippines Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Philippines's youth unemployment was 7.04% in 2025, ranked 44th globally. This represents a 1.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Philippines's youth unemployment stood at 7.04% in 2025, a rise of +0.08pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.44% by 2026. Philippines ranked 44th globally.
The Philippines has experienced a fluctuating youth unemployment rate over the past 35 years, with a notable decrease from its all-time peak of 10.15% in 2009 to a trough of 6.61% in 2018. However, the rate has since increased to 7.04% as of 2025, ranking the country 44th globally. This trend is comparable to its peer country, El Salvador, which has a slightly higher youth unemployment rate of 7.81%. The Philippines' youth unemployment rate has shown a cyclical pattern, with periods of improvement followed by periods of increase. This pattern is consistent with global trends, where the global financial crisis of 2008 led to a spike in youth unemployment rates worldwide. A sustained economic recovery and increased investment in education and job training programs are necessary to reverse this trend and bring the Philippines' youth unemployment rate closer to its all-time trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 5.92% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 6.18% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.44% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.04% | +0.08pp | #44 |
| 2024 | 6.96% | +0.05pp | #43 |
| 2023 | 6.91% | +0.10pp | #42 |
| 2022 | 6.81% | −1.62pp | #40 |
| 2021 | 8.43% | +1.45pp | #44 |
| 2020 | 6.99% | +0.29pp | #31 |
| 2019 | 6.70% | +0.09pp | #37 |
| 2018 | 6.61% | −0.77pp | #34 |
| 2017 | 7.38% | −0.26pp | #40 |
| 2016 | 7.63% | −0.88pp | #44 |
| 2015 | 8.51% | −0.96pp | #48 |
| 2014 | 9.47% | +0.30pp | #61 |
| 2013 | 9.17% | −0.20pp | #58 |
| 2012 | 9.36% | −0.12pp | #63 |
| 2011 | 9.48% | −0.26pp | #62 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Philippines matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Philippines's youth unemployment was 7.04% in 2025. Ranked 44th globally. This represents a 1.1% increase from the previous year.
Philippines's youth unemployment peaked at 10.15% in 2009.
The lowest youth unemployment in Philippines was 6.61% in 2018.
Philippines ranks 44th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Philippines's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.44% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Philippines in 2025 was 7.04%. This ranks 44th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_philippines_youth-unemployment,
title = {Philippines Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/philippines/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}