Sweden Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Sweden's youth unemployment was 24.31% in 2025, ranked 148th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Sweden's youth unemployment stood at 24.31% in 2025, a decline of +0.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 24.02% by 2026. Sweden ranked 148th globally.
Sweden’s youth unemployment rate stood at 24.31 % in 2025, placing the country 148th in the world and closely matching peers such as Montenegro (24.44 %) and the Virgin Islands (US) (24.20 %). The indicator has risen sharply since the early 1990s, when the trough of 7.79 % was recorded in 1991, and peaked at 25.02 % during the global financial crisis of 2009. Over the 35‑year series, the upward trajectory reflects structural labor‑market frictions, a relatively high share of young workers in temporary contracts, and limited entry‑level opportunities in high‑skill sectors. While the 2025 figure remains just below the all‑time high, modest improvements in vocational training and stronger activation policies could curb further increases. Continued focus on aligning education outcomes with emerging industry demands will be crucial to reverse the persistent upward pressure on youth unemployment in Sweden.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 24.47% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 24.25% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 24.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 24.31% | −0.02pp | #148 |
| 2024 | 24.34% | +2.40pp | #150 |
| 2023 | 21.94% | +0.34pp | #141 |
| 2022 | 21.60% | −2.96pp | #137 |
| 2021 | 24.56% | +0.66pp | #140 |
| 2020 | 23.89% | +3.80pp | #130 |
| 2019 | 20.09% | +2.69pp | #131 |
| 2018 | 17.40% | −0.48pp | #117 |
| 2017 | 17.87% | −1.02pp | #116 |
| 2016 | 18.89% | −1.47pp | #115 |
| 2015 | 20.36% | −2.46pp | #123 |
| 2014 | 22.82% | −0.70pp | #126 |
| 2013 | 23.52% | −0.09pp | #131 |
| 2012 | 23.61% | +0.83pp | #132 |
| 2011 | 22.78% | −1.98pp | #133 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sweden matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweden's youth unemployment was 24.31% in 2025. Ranked 148th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Sweden's youth unemployment peaked at 25.02% in 2009.
The lowest youth unemployment in Sweden was 7.80% in 1991.
Sweden ranks 148th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sweden's youth unemployment is projected to reach 24.02% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Sweden in 2025 was 24.31%. This ranks 148th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sweden_youth-unemployment,
title = {Sweden Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sweden/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}