Portugal Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Portugal's youth unemployment was 20.22% in 2025, ranked 135th globally. This represents a 7.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Portugal's youth unemployment stood at 20.22% in 2025, a decline of +1.55pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 19.86% by 2026. Portugal ranked 135th globally.
Portugal's youth unemployment rate has fluctuated significantly over the past 35 years, with a notable peak in 2013 at 38.45% amidst the global financial crisis. This surpassed the all-time trough of 8.24% reached in 2000, reflecting the country's vulnerability to economic downturns. The rate has continued to rise since 2013, reaching 20.22% in 2025, ranking Portugal 135th globally. This trend is comparable to that of Costa Rica, where youth unemployment peaked at 21.46% in 2013, but has since declined somewhat. In contrast, neighboring Italy has struggled with high youth unemployment, reaching a peak of 44.33% in 2016, and currently sits at 20.55%. Portugal's relatively high youth unemployment rate may be influenced by the country's aging population and shrinking workforce, suggesting that addressing these structural issues will be crucial to altering the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 19.10% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 19.48% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 19.86% | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.22% | −1.55pp | #135 |
| 2024 | 21.77% | +1.30pp | #143 |
| 2023 | 20.46% | +1.28pp | #138 |
| 2022 | 19.18% | −4.24pp | #129 |
| 2021 | 23.42% | +0.96pp | #137 |
| 2020 | 22.46% | +4.13pp | #127 |
| 2019 | 18.33% | −1.91pp | #122 |
| 2018 | 20.24% | −3.57pp | #127 |
| 2017 | 23.80% | −4.00pp | #137 |
| 2016 | 27.80% | −3.99pp | #151 |
| 2015 | 31.79% | −2.88pp | #154 |
| 2014 | 34.66% | −3.79pp | #159 |
| 2013 | 38.45% | +0.47pp | #169 |
| 2012 | 37.98% | +7.67pp | #171 |
| 2011 | 30.31% | +7.55pp | #153 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Portugal 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
Portugal's youth unemployment was 20.22% in 2025. Ranked 135th globally. This represents a 7.1% decrease from the previous year.
Portugal's youth unemployment peaked at 38.45% in 2013.
The lowest youth unemployment in Portugal was 8.25% in 2000.
Portugal ranks 135th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Portugal's youth unemployment is projected to reach 19.86% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Portugal in 2025 was 20.22%. This ranks 135th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_portugal_youth-unemployment,
title = {Portugal Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/portugal/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}