Uzbekistan Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Uzbekistan's youth unemployment was 11.38% in 2025, ranked 82nd globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Uzbekistan's youth unemployment stood at 11.38% in 2025, a rise of +0.57pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 10.36% by 2026. Uzbekistan ranked 82nd globally.
Uzbekistan’s youth unemployment rate stands at 11.38 % in 2025, placing the country 82nd in the world according to World Bank data. The indicator has traversed a volatile 35‑year path, rising sharply from a post‑independence low of 3.80 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 26.95 % in 1999 before gradually receding. The recent figure is closely aligned with peer nations such as Vanuatu (11.34 %) and Austria (11.00 %), suggesting that Uzbekistan now experiences a level of youth labor market slack comparable to both developing island economies and advanced European states. The long‑term decline from the 1999 apex reflects structural reforms, expanding secondary education, and modest growth in service‑sector employment, yet the persistence of double‑digit unemployment signals lingering mismatches between skills and job opportunities. Continued investment in vocational training and stronger linkages between firms and educational institutions could further lower the rate, steering the trend downward over the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 9.70% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 10.03% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 10.36% | - | - |
| 2025 | 11.38% | +0.57pp | #82 |
| 2024 | 10.81% | +0.05pp | #77 |
| 2023 | 10.76% | −0.09pp | #76 |
| 2022 | 10.85% | −2.18pp | #80 |
| 2021 | 13.03% | +0.19pp | #84 |
| 2020 | 12.84% | +1.57pp | #75 |
| 2019 | 11.27% | −0.80pp | #82 |
| 2018 | 12.07% | −0.81pp | #91 |
| 2017 | 12.89% | +1.42pp | #89 |
| 2016 | 11.46% | +0.01pp | #78 |
| 2015 | 11.46% | +0.08pp | #76 |
| 2014 | 11.37% | +0.61pp | #75 |
| 2013 | 10.76% | +0.08pp | #77 |
| 2012 | 10.68% | +0.09pp | #75 |
| 2011 | 10.59% | −1.00pp | #75 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uzbekistan matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uzbekistan's youth unemployment was 11.38% in 2025. Ranked 82nd globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from the previous year.
Uzbekistan's youth unemployment peaked at 26.95% in 1999.
The lowest youth unemployment in Uzbekistan was 3.80% in 1991.
Uzbekistan ranks 82nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uzbekistan's youth unemployment is projected to reach 10.36% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Uzbekistan in 2025 was 11.38%. This ranks 82nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uzbekistan_youth-unemployment,
title = {Uzbekistan Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uzbekistan/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}