Solomon Islands Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Solomon Islands's youth unemployment was 2.76% in 2025, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 6.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Solomon Islands's youth unemployment stood at 2.76% in 2025, a decline of +0.18pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.42% by 2026. Solomon Islands ranked 9th globally.
The Solomon Islands have experienced a fluctuating youth unemployment rate over the past three and a half decades. The indicator peaked in 2002 at 3.70%, a level surpassed by only a few countries globally. Conversely, a significant decline was observed in 2013, when the rate reached a trough of 1.27%, a rate matched by Lao PDR, which ranks second globally in youth unemployment at 2.38%. The Solomon Islands' youth unemployment rate has continued to decrease, with the latest available figure standing at 2.76% in 2025, ranking ninth globally. This decline is a positive trend, especially when compared to peer countries such as Guinea-Bissau, which has a higher unemployment rate of 2.84%. However, the Solomon Islands' youth unemployment rate remains relatively high compared to other developing economies, and a sustained economic growth, particularly in the labor-intensive sectors, would be essential to further reduce the rate and improve employment opportunities for the country's youth.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 3.97% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 3.70% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.42% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.76% | −0.18pp | #9 |
| 2024 | 2.94% | +0.01pp | #10 |
| 2023 | 2.93% | −0.02pp | #10 |
| 2022 | 2.95% | +1.58pp | #11 |
| 2021 | 1.37% | −0.12pp | #4 |
| 2020 | 1.49% | +0.19pp | #4 |
| 2019 | 1.30% | +0.01pp | #4 |
| 2018 | 1.29% | −0.00pp | #4 |
| 2017 | 1.29% | −0.01pp | #4 |
| 2016 | 1.30% | +0.00pp | #4 |
| 2015 | 1.30% | +0.00pp | #4 |
| 2014 | 1.29% | +0.02pp | #4 |
| 2013 | 1.27% | −0.54pp | #4 |
| 2012 | 1.82% | −0.56pp | #6 |
| 2011 | 2.37% | −0.56pp | #9 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Solomon Islands 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
Solomon Islands's youth unemployment was 2.76% in 2025. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 6.0% decrease from the previous year.
Solomon Islands's youth unemployment peaked at 3.70% in 2002.
The lowest youth unemployment in Solomon Islands was 1.27% in 2013.
Solomon Islands ranks 9th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Solomon Islands's youth unemployment is projected to reach 3.42% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Solomon Islands in 2025 was 2.76%. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_solomon-islands_youth-unemployment,
title = {Solomon Islands Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/solomon-islands/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}