Viet Nam Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Viet Nam's youth unemployment was 6.17% in 2025, ranked 34th globally. This represents a 2.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Viet Nam's youth unemployment stood at 6.17% in 2025, a decline of +0.17pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.02% by 2026. Viet Nam ranked 34th globally.
Vietnam’s youth unemployment rate has risen to 6.17 % in 2025, placing the country 34th in the world according to World Bank data. This level follows an all‑time peak of 7.12 % recorded in 2017 and remains above the all‑time trough of 3.23 % reached in 2011, indicating a long‑term upward trajectory after a low point in the early 2010s. Over the 35‑year series, the rate has more than doubled from its earliest observation of 4.18 % in 1991, reflecting structural shifts in the labour market as Vietnam’s economy transitions toward higher‑value sectors. The current figure is comparable to peers such as Israel (6.03 %) and the United Arab Emirates (6.45 %), suggesting that Vietnam now faces similar challenges in matching job creation with the growing number of young entrants to the workforce. Continued investment in skill development and the expansion of sectors capable of absorbing young workers will be crucial to reverse the recent rise and steer the rate downward in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 5.77% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5.89% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.17% | −0.17pp | #34 |
| 2024 | 6.34% | −0.10pp | #35 |
| 2023 | 6.44% | +0.34pp | #37 |
| 2022 | 6.10% | −0.81pp | #31 |
| 2021 | 6.90% | +0.36pp | #32 |
| 2020 | 6.55% | +0.92pp | #28 |
| 2019 | 5.62% | +0.98pp | #29 |
| 2018 | 4.65% | −2.48pp | #21 |
| 2017 | 7.12% | +0.36pp | #38 |
| 2016 | 6.76% | +0.50pp | #34 |
| 2015 | 6.27% | +1.60pp | #32 |
| 2014 | 4.67% | +0.11pp | #23 |
| 2013 | 4.56% | +0.93pp | #21 |
| 2012 | 3.63% | +0.40pp | #15 |
| 2011 | 3.23% | −0.21pp | #16 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Viet Nam's youth unemployment was 6.17% in 2025. Ranked 34th globally. This represents a 2.7% decrease from the previous year.
Viet Nam's youth unemployment peaked at 7.12% in 2017.
The lowest youth unemployment in Viet Nam was 3.23% in 2011.
Viet Nam ranks 34th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Viet Nam's youth unemployment is projected to reach 6.02% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Viet Nam in 2025 was 6.17%. This ranks 34th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_viet-nam_youth-unemployment,
title = {Viet Nam Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/viet-nam/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}