Spain Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Spain's youth unemployment was 24.75% in 2025, ranked 152nd globally. This represents a 7.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Spain's youth unemployment stood at 24.75% in 2025, a decline of +1.89pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 21.89% by 2026. Spain ranked 152nd globally.
Spain's youth unemployment rate has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 35 years, with a notable all-time peak of 55.44% in 2013, following the onset of the European sovereign-debt crisis. Conversely, the rate reached its all-time trough of 17.89% in 2006, a period characterized by robust economic growth. As of 2025, Spain's youth unemployment rate stands at 24.75%, ranking 152 globally. This rate remains higher than that of peer countries such as Lesotho, which holds a comparable rate of 24.67%, and significantly lower than the peak levels experienced in 2013. Since the trough in 2006, the rate has generally trended upward, albeit at a slower pace than in the preceding years. Factors such as the country's labor market reforms, as well as shifts in global economic conditions, will influence the trajectory of Spain's youth unemployment rate in the coming years. A sustained economic recovery and successful implementation of labor market policies may contribute to a reduction in this rate.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 17.17% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 19.53% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 21.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 24.75% | −1.89pp | #152 |
| 2024 | 26.63% | −2.12pp | #155 |
| 2023 | 28.75% | −0.97pp | #161 |
| 2022 | 29.71% | −5.29pp | #158 |
| 2021 | 35.00% | −3.31pp | #164 |
| 2020 | 38.31% | +5.76pp | #169 |
| 2019 | 32.56% | −1.81pp | #166 |
| 2018 | 34.36% | −4.23pp | #167 |
| 2017 | 38.59% | −5.85pp | #174 |
| 2016 | 44.45% | −3.91pp | #178 |
| 2015 | 48.35% | −4.82pp | #180 |
| 2014 | 53.17% | −2.28pp | #184 |
| 2013 | 55.44% | +2.62pp | #183 |
| 2012 | 52.83% | +6.67pp | #182 |
| 2011 | 46.16% | +4.71pp | #179 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Spain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Spain's youth unemployment was 24.75% in 2025. Ranked 152nd globally. This represents a 7.1% decrease from the previous year.
Spain's youth unemployment peaked at 55.44% in 2013.
The lowest youth unemployment in Spain was 17.89% in 2006.
Spain ranks 152nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Spain's youth unemployment is projected to reach 21.89% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Spain in 2025 was 24.75%. This ranks 152nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_spain_youth-unemployment,
title = {Spain Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/spain/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}