Samoa Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Samoa's youth unemployment was 12.98% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Samoa's youth unemployment stood at 12.98% in 2025, a rise of +0.31pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 11.56% by 2026. Samoa ranked 92nd globally.
Samoa's youth unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 35 years, ranging from a low of 4.30% in 1991 to an all-time high of 19.38% in 2017. Since then, the rate has gradually decreased, but still remains relatively high at 12.98% as of 2025, ranking 92nd globally. This current rate is comparable to that of Azerbaijan, which holds the 91st position, and slightly higher than Indonesia's corresponding rate. The sharp increase in youth unemployment during the 2010s, particularly in 2017, was likely influenced by factors such as the decline in the country's fishing industry and the impact of climate change on the economy. To reverse this trend, Samoa would need to address the underlying structural issues, including investing in education and vocational training programs, as well as promoting entrepreneurship and job creation in key sectors.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 10.22% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 10.89% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 11.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 12.98% | +0.31pp | #92 |
| 2024 | 12.67% | −0.23pp | #88 |
| 2023 | 12.90% | −0.34pp | #94 |
| 2022 | 13.25% | −2.79pp | #94 |
| 2021 | 16.03% | −1.80pp | #101 |
| 2020 | 17.83% | +0.35pp | #108 |
| 2019 | 17.49% | −0.96pp | #121 |
| 2018 | 18.45% | −0.93pp | #122 |
| 2017 | 19.38% | +0.78pp | #122 |
| 2016 | 18.61% | +0.55pp | #114 |
| 2015 | 18.06% | +0.53pp | #113 |
| 2014 | 17.53% | −0.03pp | #106 |
| 2013 | 17.56% | +0.07pp | #104 |
| 2012 | 17.49% | +2.61pp | #105 |
| 2011 | 14.88% | +0.26pp | #89 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Samoa 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
Samoa's youth unemployment was 12.98% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year.
Samoa's youth unemployment peaked at 19.38% in 2017.
The lowest youth unemployment in Samoa was 4.30% in 1991.
Samoa ranks 92nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Samoa's youth unemployment is projected to reach 11.56% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Samoa in 2025 was 12.98%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_samoa_youth-unemployment,
title = {Samoa Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/samoa/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}