South Sudan Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
South Sudan's youth unemployment was 18.52% in 2023, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2022. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2023.
Overview
South Sudan's youth unemployment stood at 18.52% in 2023, a decline of +0.19pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 17.99% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 131st globally.
South Sudan's youth unemployment rate has exhibited fluctuations over the past three decades, with the latest available figure standing at 18.52% in 2023. This ranking of #131 globally underscores the country's challenges in providing employment opportunities for its young population. A closer examination of historical data reveals that the all-time peak of 21.85% was reached in 2020, while the all-time trough of 17.87% occurred in 1997. A comparison with peer countries indicates that South Sudan's youth unemployment rate is slightly higher than that of Rwanda, which ranked 18.17% in 2023. Notably, the youth unemployment rate in Barbados, a peer country with a more developed economy, stood at 18.26% in 2023. The ongoing conflict and economic instability in South Sudan are likely to continue affecting youth employment prospects. A sustained peace and economic growth, however, could potentially alter the trajectory of youth unemployment in the country.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 17.53% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 17.99% | - | - |
| 2023 | 18.52% | −0.19pp | #131 |
| 2022 | 18.72% | −2.08pp | #127 |
| 2021 | 20.80% | −1.05pp | #125 |
| 2020 | 21.85% | +2.58pp | #124 |
| 2019 | 19.26% | −0.29pp | #126 |
| 2018 | 19.56% | −0.29pp | #124 |
| 2017 | 19.85% | +0.00pp | #124 |
| 2016 | 19.85% | +0.43pp | #119 |
| 2015 | 19.42% | −0.16pp | #119 |
| 2014 | 19.58% | −0.16pp | #117 |
| 2013 | 19.73% | −0.17pp | #119 |
| 2012 | 19.91% | +0.30pp | #118 |
| 2011 | 19.61% | +0.20pp | #117 |
| 2010 | 19.40% | +0.11pp | #116 |
| 2009 | 19.29% | +0.25pp | #114 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's youth unemployment was 18.52% in 2023. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's youth unemployment peaked at 21.85% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in South Sudan was 17.87% in 1997.
South Sudan ranks 131st globally in youth unemployment as of 2023.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's youth unemployment is projected to reach 17.99% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of South Sudan in 2023 was 18.52%. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_youth-unemployment,
title = {South Sudan Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}