South Sudan Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
South Sudan's unemployment rate was 12.37% in 2023, ranked 166th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2022. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2023.
Overview
South Sudan's unemployment rate stood at 12.37% in 2023, a decline of +0.10pp from 2022. South Sudan ranked 166th globally.
South Sudan's unemployment rate has experienced a relatively stable trajectory over the past three decades, with a slight fluctuation between 12.07% in 1997, the all-time trough, and 14.25% in 2020, the all-time peak. The country's unemployment rate has consistently ranked above the global average, with a current ranking of 166 out of 183 countries as of 2023, at 12.37%. A comparison with peer countries reveals that South Sudan's unemployment rate is slightly higher than Rwanda's 12.35%, and lower than Armenia's 12.40%. The unemployment rate in South Sudan has remained relatively consistent since the 1990s, with a slight increase in recent years, possibly due to the country's ongoing economic challenges. The trend may continue if the country's economic growth remains slow, however, a significant investment in the education sector and job creation initiatives could potentially alter the trajectory and lead to a decrease in unemployment rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12.37% | −0.10pp | #166 |
| 2022 | 12.48% | −1.48pp | #163 |
| 2021 | 13.95% | −0.30pp | #162 |
| 2020 | 14.25% | +1.59pp | #159 |
| 2019 | 12.66% | −0.20pp | #163 |
| 2018 | 12.85% | −0.13pp | #164 |
| 2017 | 12.98% | +0.13pp | #160 |
| 2016 | 12.85% | +0.39pp | #159 |
| 2015 | 12.46% | −0.10pp | #157 |
| 2014 | 12.56% | −0.10pp | #154 |
| 2013 | 12.67% | −0.14pp | #153 |
| 2012 | 12.80% | +0.22pp | #153 |
| 2011 | 12.59% | +0.11pp | #152 |
| 2010 | 12.47% | +0.04pp | #152 |
| 2009 | 12.44% | +0.14pp | #153 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's unemployment rate was 12.37% in 2023. Ranked 166th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's unemployment rate peaked at 14.25% in 2020.
The lowest unemployment rate in South Sudan was 12.07% in 1997.
South Sudan ranks 166th globally in unemployment rate as of 2023.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The unemployment rate of South Sudan in 2023 was 12.37%. This ranks 166th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_unemployment-rate,
title = {South Sudan Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}