West Bank and Gaza Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
West Bank and Gaza's unemployment rate was 24.42% in 2022, ranked 187th globally. This represents a 7.5% decrease from 2021. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2022.
Overview
West Bank and Gaza's unemployment rate stood at 24.42% in 2022, a decline of +1.97pp from 2021. West Bank and Gaza ranked 187th globally.
The West Bank and Gaza’s unemployment rate has risen sharply since the early 1990s, climbing from 10.67 % in 1991 to a record high of 27.46 % in 2002, before falling to an all‑time trough of 10.38 % in 1999 and then climbing again to 24.42 % in 2022, ranking 187th worldwide. Over the 32‑year series the labour market has been highly volatile, reflecting the impact of political instability, restrictions on movement and periodic economic shocks. The 2022 figure is slightly above Ukraine’s 24.53 % and marginally below Botswana’s 23.61 %, indicating that the territory’s labour market remains more strained than many middle‑income economies. Persistent constraints on private‑sector growth and limited access to external markets have kept job creation weak, while demographic pressures continue to swell the labour force. If reforms that improve mobility, attract investment and expand vocational training are implemented, the upward trajectory could be moderated and unemployment may gradually decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 24.42% | −1.97pp | #187 |
| 2021 | 26.39% | +0.47pp | #188 |
| 2020 | 25.90% | +0.54pp | #188 |
| 2019 | 25.34% | −0.91pp | #188 |
| 2018 | 26.26% | +0.81pp | #189 |
| 2017 | 25.68% | −1.22pp | #189 |
| 2016 | 23.94% | −1.96pp | #187 |
| 2015 | 23.01% | −3.90pp | #185 |
| 2014 | 20.53% | −2.87pp | #183 |
| 2013 | 19.89% | −3.11pp | #182 |
| 2012 | 19.20% | −1.70pp | #178 |
| 2011 | 17.60% | −6.10pp | #171 |
| 2010 | 21.42% | −3.08pp | #185 |
| 2009 | 20.45% | −6.15pp | #183 |
| 2008 | 22.91% | +1.21pp | #186 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
West Bank and Gaza matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2008. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
West Bank and Gaza's unemployment rate was 24.42% in 2022. Ranked 187th globally. This represents a 7.5% decrease from the previous year.
West Bank and Gaza's unemployment rate peaked at 27.47% in 2002.
The lowest unemployment rate in West Bank and Gaza was 10.38% in 1999.
West Bank and Gaza ranks 187th globally in unemployment rate as of 2022.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The unemployment rate of West Bank and Gaza in 2022 was 24.42%. This ranks 187th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_west-bank-and-gaza_unemployment-rate,
title = {West Bank and Gaza Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/west-bank-and-gaza/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}