Ukraine Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Ukraine's youth unemployment was 19.15% in 2021, ranked 120th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2021.
Overview
Ukraine's youth unemployment stood at 19.15% in 2021, a decline of +0.21pp from 2020. Ukraine ranked 120th globally.
Ukraine’s youth unemployment rate stood at 19.14 % in 2021, placing the country 120th globally and marginally below France’s 19.25 % and Saudi Arabia’s 19.77 % while exceeding the European Union average of 18.74 %. The indicator has oscillated dramatically over the 31‑year series, rising from a low of 3.57 % in 1992 to a peak of 23.57 % in 2014, a surge that coincided with the geopolitical upheaval and economic contraction following the annexation of Crimea and conflict in the Donbas region. Since that apex, the rate has gradually declined but remains well above the early‑1990s trough, reflecting persistent structural challenges such as skill mismatches, limited private‑sector growth, and demographic pressures. Continued reforms to improve vocational training, attract foreign investment, and stabilize macro‑economic conditions could accelerate the downward trajectory, potentially bringing youth unemployment closer to the EU average in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19.15% | −0.21pp | #120 |
| 2020 | 19.36% | +3.87pp | #114 |
| 2019 | 15.48% | −2.48pp | #108 |
| 2018 | 17.97% | −1.00pp | #118 |
| 2017 | 18.96% | −4.18pp | #120 |
| 2016 | 23.14% | +0.53pp | #134 |
| 2015 | 22.61% | −0.96pp | #133 |
| 2014 | 23.57% | +5.93pp | #129 |
| 2013 | 17.64% | −0.15pp | #105 |
| 2012 | 17.80% | −0.01pp | #106 |
| 2011 | 17.81% | +0.10pp | #104 |
| 2010 | 17.71% | −0.52pp | #108 |
| 2009 | 18.23% | +5.09pp | #108 |
| 2008 | 13.14% | −0.07pp | #97 |
| 2007 | 13.21% | −1.05pp | #97 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ukraine 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
Ukraine's youth unemployment was 19.15% in 2021. Ranked 120th globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
Ukraine's youth unemployment peaked at 23.57% in 2014.
The lowest youth unemployment in Ukraine was 3.57% in 1992.
Ukraine ranks 120th globally in youth unemployment as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The youth unemployment of Ukraine in 2021 was 19.15%. This ranks 120th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ukraine_youth-unemployment,
title = {Ukraine Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ukraine/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}