Serbia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Serbia's youth unemployment was 20.93% in 2025, ranked 139th globally. This represents a 2.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Serbia's youth unemployment stood at 20.93% in 2025, a decline of +0.52pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 20.16% by 2026. Serbia ranked 139th globally.
Serbia's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the most pronounced peak occurring in 2012 at 51.24%. This marked a period of economic turmoil, particularly in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Conversely, the most recent data available indicates a notable trough in 2025, with a rate of 20.93%, currently ranking Serbia as the 139th highest globally. In comparison to its peer countries, Serbia's youth unemployment rate is comparable to that of Italy, which also experienced a 20.55% rate in 2025. Despite this improvement, Serbia's youth unemployment rate has historically been a concern, with the 1991 rate standing at 29.43%. A sustained economic growth and a robust job market are crucial to maintaining this trend, and any decline in foreign investment or a rise in unemployment could potentially alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 18.37% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 19.27% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 20.16% | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.93% | −0.52pp | #139 |
| 2024 | 21.45% | −2.68pp | #141 |
| 2023 | 24.13% | +0.86pp | #149 |
| 2022 | 23.27% | −1.23pp | #145 |
| 2021 | 24.50% | −2.11pp | #139 |
| 2020 | 26.61% | −0.89pp | #141 |
| 2019 | 27.50% | −2.20pp | #154 |
| 2018 | 29.70% | −2.21pp | #157 |
| 2017 | 31.91% | −3.06pp | #159 |
| 2016 | 34.96% | −8.27pp | #163 |
| 2015 | 43.23% | −4.40pp | #177 |
| 2014 | 47.63% | −1.83pp | #177 |
| 2013 | 49.46% | −1.78pp | #177 |
| 2012 | 51.24% | +0.06pp | #179 |
| 2011 | 51.18% | +4.74pp | #182 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Serbia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2011. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Serbia's youth unemployment was 20.93% in 2025. Ranked 139th globally. This represents a 2.4% decrease from the previous year.
Serbia's youth unemployment peaked at 51.24% in 2012.
The lowest youth unemployment in Serbia was 20.93% in 2025.
Serbia ranks 139th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Serbia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 20.16% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Serbia in 2025 was 20.93%. This ranks 139th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_serbia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Serbia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/serbia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}