Vanuatu Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Vanuatu's youth unemployment was 11.34% in 2025, ranked 81st globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's youth unemployment stood at 11.34% in 2025, a decline of +0.08pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 11.56% by 2026. Vanuatu ranked 81st globally.
Vanuatu's youth unemployment rate stood at 11.34% in 2025, ranking 81st globally, a figure closely aligned with peer nations such as Uzbekistan at 11.38% and Austria at 11.00%. Over a 35-year period since records began in 1991, when the rate was 13.40%, Vanuatu has experienced notable fluctuations, reaching an all-time peak of 14.37% in 2002 before declining to a historic low of 8.96% in 2009. The trajectory since the 2009 trough has been uneven, with rates rising and falling within a moderate range, suggesting persistent challenges in labor market integration for young people despite periods of improvement. While the 2025 figure reflects a slight increase compared to the lowest point, it remains below both the 2002 high and the initial 1991 level. Economic diversification, access to vocational training, and private sector development are likely key factors influencing future outcomes. Sustained reductions in youth unemployment will depend on targeted education-to-employment pathways and expanded opportunities in growing sectors such as services and sustainable agriculture.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11.69% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 11.62% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 11.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 11.34% | −0.08pp | #81 |
| 2024 | 11.43% | −0.06pp | #80 |
| 2023 | 11.49% | −0.12pp | #84 |
| 2022 | 11.61% | +0.69pp | #85 |
| 2021 | 10.92% | +1.23pp | #66 |
| 2020 | 9.70% | −2.64pp | #47 |
| 2019 | 12.34% | +0.34pp | #92 |
| 2018 | 11.99% | +0.38pp | #90 |
| 2017 | 11.61% | +0.29pp | #82 |
| 2016 | 11.32% | +0.25pp | #76 |
| 2015 | 11.07% | +0.25pp | #74 |
| 2014 | 10.81% | +0.35pp | #73 |
| 2013 | 10.47% | +0.34pp | #75 |
| 2012 | 10.12% | +0.36pp | #72 |
| 2011 | 9.76% | +0.36pp | #64 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Vanuatu matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's youth unemployment was 11.34% in 2025. Ranked 81st globally. This represents a 0.7% decrease from the previous year.
Vanuatu's youth unemployment peaked at 14.37% in 2002.
The lowest youth unemployment in Vanuatu was 8.96% in 2009.
Vanuatu ranks 81st globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Vanuatu's youth unemployment is projected to reach 11.56% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Vanuatu in 2025 was 11.34%. This ranks 81st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_youth-unemployment,
title = {Vanuatu Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}