Viet Nam Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Viet Nam's unemployment rate was 1.52% in 2025, ranked 11th globally. This represents a 30.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Viet Nam's unemployment rate stood at 1.52% in 2025, a decline of +0.68pp from 2024. The IMF projects 2.25% by 2025. Viet Nam ranked 11th globally.
Vietnam’s unemployment rate has fallen dramatically since the all‑time peak of 12.33 % recorded in 1990, reaching a historic low of 1.00 % in 2011 and standing at 1.52 % in 2025, the eleventh‑lowest level among the world’s economies. The 36‑year span of data shows a sustained decline that mirrors the country’s rapid industrialisation, export‑oriented growth and extensive labour‑market reforms. By contrast, peer economies such as Moldova (1.50 %) and Tanzania (1.57 %) exhibit similarly low rates, reflecting broader trends in emerging markets where informal employment and demographic shifts suppress measured unemployment. The persistence of a sub‑2 % rate suggests a tight labour market, yet potential constraints include an ageing population, skill mismatches and the impact of automation on low‑skill jobs. Continued investment in vocational training and productivity‑enhancing technologies will be crucial to prevent a resurgence of unemployment and to sustain the downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.18% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.21% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.28% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.31% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 2.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.52% | −0.68pp | #11 |
| 2024 | 1.60% | −0.70pp | #14 |
| 2023 | 1.65% | −0.68pp | #15 |
| 2022 | 1.57% | −1.63pp | #12 |
| 2021 | 2.38% | −0.10pp | #20 |
| 2020 | 2.10% | −0.07pp | #13 |
| 2019 | 1.68% | −0.51pp | #12 |
| 2018 | 1.16% | −1.08pp | #9 |
| 2017 | 1.87% | −0.43pp | #15 |
| 2016 | 1.85% | −0.48pp | #14 |
| 2015 | 1.85% | −0.25pp | #15 |
| 2014 | 1.26% | −0.92pp | #9 |
| 2013 | 1.32% | −0.64pp | #9 |
| 2012 | 1.03% | −1.19pp | #8 |
| 2011 | 1.00% | −1.88pp | #9 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Viet Nam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Viet Nam's unemployment rate was 1.52% in 2025. Ranked 11th globally. This represents a 30.8% decrease from the previous year.
Viet Nam's unemployment rate peaked at 12.33% in 1990.
The lowest unemployment rate in Viet Nam was 1.00% in 2011.
Viet Nam ranks 11th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Viet Nam's unemployment rate is projected to reach 2.25% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Viet Nam in 2025 was 1.52%. This ranks 11th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_viet-nam_unemployment-rate,
title = {Viet Nam Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/viet-nam/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}