Yemen, Republic of Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Yemen, Republic of's unemployment rate was 17.32% in 2025, ranked 171st globally. This represents a 2.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Yemen, Republic of's unemployment rate stood at 17.32% in 2025, a rise of +0.35pp from 2024. Yemen, Republic of ranked 171st globally.
The Republic of Yemen's unemployment rate has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 35 years, with the latest figure standing at 17.32% in 2025. This rate has been the highest since 2017, when it peaked at 18.61%, although it has consistently remained above the 1994 trough of 8.34%. In comparison, neighboring Jordan, a peer country, has an unemployment rate of 16.54%, indicating a relatively stable trend in the region. Yemen's unemployment rate has been among the highest globally, ranking 171 out of 191 countries since 2025. The prolonged conflict in Yemen has undoubtedly contributed to this high unemployment rate, with many citizens displaced from their workplaces and struggling to find new opportunities. A significant improvement in the security situation and economic stability would be necessary to alter the trajectory of Yemen's unemployment rate, potentially leading to a decline in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17.32% | +0.35pp | #171 |
| 2024 | 16.97% | +0.03pp | #177 |
| 2023 | 16.94% | −0.28pp | #178 |
| 2022 | 17.22% | −1.09pp | #178 |
| 2021 | 18.31% | +0.35pp | #178 |
| 2020 | 17.96% | +0.75pp | #176 |
| 2019 | 17.21% | −0.38pp | #178 |
| 2018 | 17.59% | −1.02pp | #174 |
| 2017 | 18.61% | +0.19pp | #177 |
| 2016 | 18.42% | +0.52pp | #175 |
| 2015 | 17.90% | +4.43pp | #174 |
| 2014 | 13.47% | −0.21pp | #158 |
| 2013 | 13.67% | +0.20pp | #156 |
| 2012 | 13.47% | +0.16pp | #156 |
| 2011 | 13.31% | +0.53pp | #156 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Yemen, Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yemen, Republic of's unemployment rate was 17.32% in 2025. Ranked 171st globally. This represents a 2.1% increase from the previous year.
Yemen, Republic of's unemployment rate peaked at 18.61% in 2017.
The lowest unemployment rate in Yemen, Republic of was 8.34% in 1994.
Yemen, Republic of ranks 171st globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The unemployment rate of Yemen, Republic of in 2025 was 17.32%. This ranks 171st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_yemen-republic-of_unemployment-rate,
title = {Yemen, Republic of Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/yemen-republic-of/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}