Tonga Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Tonga's youth unemployment was 6.03% in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Tonga's youth unemployment stood at 6.03% in 2025, a rise of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.58% by 2026. Tonga ranked 32nd globally.
Tonga’s youth unemployment rate stands at 6.03 % in 2025, placing the kingdom 32nd in the world according to the World Bank. The indicator has fluctuated over a 35‑year span, rising from a low of 3.08 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 13.87 % in 2003, before falling to a trough of 2.91 % in 2006. Since that nadir, the rate has generally trended upward, reaching the current level that matches Israel’s 2025 figure and exceeds Ghana’s 5.83 % and Mexico’s 5.71 % while remaining slightly below Viet Nam’s 6.17 %. The post‑peak climb reflects structural challenges in the labor market, including limited diversification of the economy and the impact of periodic natural disasters that disrupt schooling and job creation for young people. Continued investment in vocational training and the expansion of sectors such as tourism and fisheries could moderate the upward trajectory and steer youth unemployment toward a lower, more sustainable path.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 5.41% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5.49% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.58% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.03% | +0.04pp | #32 |
| 2024 | 5.99% | +1.35pp | #32 |
| 2023 | 4.63% | −1.52pp | #26 |
| 2022 | 6.15% | −0.23pp | #32 |
| 2021 | 6.38% | −1.62pp | #29 |
| 2020 | 7.99% | +1.52pp | #39 |
| 2019 | 6.47% | −0.21pp | #33 |
| 2018 | 6.68% | +0.36pp | #36 |
| 2017 | 6.32% | +0.31pp | #29 |
| 2016 | 6.01% | +0.18pp | #28 |
| 2015 | 5.83% | +0.33pp | #27 |
| 2014 | 5.50% | +0.45pp | #27 |
| 2013 | 5.05% | +0.35pp | #23 |
| 2012 | 4.71% | +0.22pp | #22 |
| 2011 | 4.49% | +0.30pp | #18 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's youth unemployment was 6.03% in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous year.
Tonga's youth unemployment peaked at 13.87% in 2003.
The lowest youth unemployment in Tonga was 2.91% in 2006.
Tonga ranks 32nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tonga's youth unemployment is projected to reach 5.58% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Tonga in 2025 was 6.03%. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_youth-unemployment,
title = {Tonga Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}