West Bank and Gaza Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
West Bank and Gaza's youth unemployment was 36.09% in 2022, ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 13.3% decrease from 2021. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2022.
Overview
West Bank and Gaza's youth unemployment stood at 36.09% in 2022, a decline of +5.54pp from 2021. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.04% by 2025. West Bank and Gaza ranked 172nd globally.
Youth unemployment in the West Bank and Gaza has risen sharply from 15.73 % in 1991 to a peak of 42.22 % in 2018, before easing slightly to 36.09 % in 2022, placing the territory 172nd in the World Bank’s global ranking. The sharp increase coincided with periods of intensified conflict and restricted economic activity, while the modest decline after the 2018 peak reflects limited recovery measures and modest growth in the informal sector. Over the 32‑year coverage span, the all‑time trough of 15.54 % in 1999 highlights how dramatically the labour market has deteriorated. Compared with peers of similar rank, the West Bank and Gaza’s rate is slightly lower than Haiti’s 36.33 % and Gabon’s 36.64 % but higher than New Caledonia’s 33.32 %, underscoring persistent structural challenges. Continued investment in vocational training and private‑sector job creation could alter the downward trajectory and bring youth unemployment back toward historic lows.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 35.04% | - | - |
| 2022 | 36.09% | −5.54pp | #172 |
| 2021 | 41.63% | −0.42pp | #177 |
| 2020 | 42.05% | +1.90pp | #177 |
| 2019 | 40.15% | −2.07pp | #180 |
| 2018 | 42.22% | +0.36pp | #179 |
| 2017 | 41.87% | +3.36pp | #176 |
| 2016 | 38.51% | +1.29pp | #174 |
| 2015 | 37.22% | +0.89pp | #168 |
| 2014 | 36.33% | −0.81pp | #166 |
| 2013 | 37.14% | +2.49pp | #166 |
| 2012 | 34.64% | +3.42pp | #163 |
| 2011 | 31.22% | −4.95pp | #156 |
| 2010 | 36.18% | +2.18pp | #169 |
| 2009 | 34.00% | −3.29pp | #167 |
| 2008 | 37.29% | +6.28pp | #175 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
West Bank and Gaza's youth unemployment was 36.09% in 2022. Ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 13.3% decrease from the previous year.
West Bank and Gaza's youth unemployment peaked at 42.22% in 2018.
The lowest youth unemployment in West Bank and Gaza was 15.54% in 1999.
West Bank and Gaza ranks 172nd globally in youth unemployment as of 2022.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
West Bank and Gaza's youth unemployment is projected to reach 35.04% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of West Bank and Gaza in 2022 was 36.09%. This ranks 172nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_west-bank-and-gaza_youth-unemployment,
title = {West Bank and Gaza Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/west-bank-and-gaza/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}