Trinidad and Tobago Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Trinidad and Tobago's youth unemployment was 8.22% in 2025, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 2.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Trinidad and Tobago's youth unemployment stood at 8.22% in 2025, a rise of +0.22pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.86% by 2026. Trinidad and Tobago ranked 50th globally.
Trinidad and Tobago’s youth unemployment rate has fallen dramatically from an all‑time peak of 35.19 % in 1992 to a trough of 5.87 % in 2015, reflecting a sustained reduction in joblessness among workers aged 15‑24 over the past three decades. By 2025 the rate had risen modestly to 8.22 %, placing the country 50th in the world and closely matching peers such as Ecuador (8.16 %) and Kyrgyz Republic (8.23 %). The long‑term decline suggests that structural reforms, expansion of secondary education, and diversification away from oil‑dependent industries have been effective, while the recent uptick may be linked to slower post‑pandemic recovery and limited growth in high‑skill sectors. Continued investment in vocational training, digital skills, and entrepreneurship support could help maintain the downward trajectory and prevent a reversal of the gains achieved since the mid‑2010s.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 3.37% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 4.61% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.86% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.22% | +0.22pp | #50 |
| 2024 | 7.99% | −0.05pp | #48 |
| 2023 | 8.04% | −2.56pp | #51 |
| 2022 | 10.60% | −2.55pp | #79 |
| 2021 | 13.15% | +1.34pp | #85 |
| 2020 | 11.81% | +2.64pp | #68 |
| 2019 | 9.17% | +0.01pp | #63 |
| 2018 | 9.16% | +0.14pp | #61 |
| 2017 | 9.03% | +0.31pp | #57 |
| 2016 | 8.72% | +2.85pp | #50 |
| 2015 | 5.87% | −0.01pp | #28 |
| 2014 | 5.88% | −0.39pp | #30 |
| 2013 | 6.28% | −2.33pp | #34 |
| 2012 | 8.61% | +0.02pp | #58 |
| 2011 | 8.59% | −1.26pp | #51 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Trinidad and Tobago matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2014. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Trinidad and Tobago's youth unemployment was 8.22% in 2025. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
Trinidad and Tobago's youth unemployment peaked at 35.19% in 1992.
The lowest youth unemployment in Trinidad and Tobago was 5.87% in 2015.
Trinidad and Tobago ranks 50th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Trinidad and Tobago's youth unemployment is projected to reach 5.86% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Trinidad and Tobago in 2025 was 8.22%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_trinidad-and-tobago_youth-unemployment,
title = {Trinidad and Tobago Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/trinidad-and-tobago/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}