Yemen, Republic of Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Yemen, Republic of's youth unemployment was 32.60% in 2025, ranked 165th globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Yemen, Republic of's youth unemployment stood at 32.60% in 2025, a rise of +0.43pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 31.70% by 2026. Yemen, Republic of ranked 165th globally.
Yemen’s youth unemployment rate has risen sharply over the 35‑year series, climbing from a low of 16.87 % in 1994 to an all‑time peak of 34.53 % in 2020, before easing to 32.60 % in 2025, which places the country 165th in the world. The upward trajectory mirrors the protracted conflict and economic contraction that intensified after 2015, limiting job creation and disrupting education and vocational training. By contrast, Iraq’s youth unemployment stands at 32.01 % and the Syrian Arab Republic at 33.10 %, indicating that Yemen remains among the highest‑burdened nations in the region despite a modest recent decline. The persistence of high informal sector activity and limited private‑sector growth suggest that the rate may remain elevated unless substantial peace‑building, infrastructure investment, and targeted labour‑market reforms are implemented, which could reverse the current trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 31.05% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 31.37% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 31.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 32.60% | +0.43pp | #165 |
| 2024 | 32.17% | +0.07pp | #166 |
| 2023 | 32.10% | −0.35pp | #168 |
| 2022 | 32.45% | −1.64pp | #168 |
| 2021 | 34.10% | −0.43pp | #161 |
| 2020 | 34.53% | +2.18pp | #162 |
| 2019 | 32.35% | −0.37pp | #164 |
| 2018 | 32.72% | −1.18pp | #163 |
| 2017 | 33.90% | +0.39pp | #164 |
| 2016 | 33.51% | +0.81pp | #157 |
| 2015 | 32.70% | +7.94pp | #157 |
| 2014 | 24.76% | +0.20pp | #140 |
| 2013 | 24.56% | +0.73pp | #137 |
| 2012 | 23.83% | +0.67pp | #133 |
| 2011 | 23.16% | +1.13pp | #136 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yemen, Republic of's youth unemployment was 32.60% in 2025. Ranked 165th globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from the previous year.
Yemen, Republic of's youth unemployment peaked at 34.53% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Yemen, Republic of was 16.87% in 1994.
Yemen, Republic of ranks 165th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Yemen, Republic of's youth unemployment is projected to reach 31.70% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Yemen, Republic of in 2025 was 32.60%. This ranks 165th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_yemen-republic-of_youth-unemployment,
title = {Yemen, Republic of Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/yemen-republic-of/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}