Youth Unemployment Rate 2003
Youth unemployment rate shows the percentage of young people actively seeking but unable to find work.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Djibouti | 66.643 % | |
2 | North Macedonia | 65.75 % | |
3 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 57.108 % | |
4 | Montenegro | 55.513 % | |
5 | Eswatini | 52.664 % | |
6 | Botswana | 47.043 % | |
7 | Libya | 46.7 % | |
8 | Algeria | 43.862 % | |
9 | South Africa | 43.796 % | |
10 | Namibia | 42.872 % | |
11 | Poland | 42.659 % | |
12 | New Caledonia | 41.773 % | |
13 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 40.35 % | |
14 | Congo | 39.796 % | |
15 | Angola | 38.403 % | |
16 | Uruguay | 38.091 % | |
17 | Saint Lucia | 36.811 % | |
18 | Croatia | 36.089 % | |
19 | State of Palestine | 35.433 % | |
20 | Serbia | 35.057 % | |
21 | Gabon | 33.795 % | |
22 | Somalia | 33.646 % | |
23 | Slovakia | 33.408 % | |
24 | Jordan | 33.288 % | |
25 | French Polynesia | 33.262 % | |
26 | Argentina | 32.924 % | |
27 | Tunisia | 30.664 % | |
28 | Egypt | 29.399 % | |
29 | Haiti | 29.201 % | |
30 | Finland | 28.102 % | |
31 | Venezuela | 27.914 % | |
32 | Zambia | 27.737 % | |
33 | Sri Lanka | 27.586 % | |
34 | Albania | 27.516 % | |
35 | Bulgaria | 27.057 % | |
36 | Italy | 26.983 % | |
37 | Lithuania | 26.932 % | |
38 | Estonia | 26.721 % | |
39 | Greece | 26.499 % | |
40 | Barbados | 25.867 % | |
41 | Mauritius | 25.25 % | |
42 | Colombia | 25.154 % | |
43 | Chile | 24.725 % | |
44 | Bahamas | 24.652 % | |
45 | Cabo Verde | 24.514 % | |
46 | Saudi Arabia | 24.438 % | |
47 | Suriname | 24.14 % | |
48 | Sudan | 24.103 % | |
49 | Puerto Rico | 23.33 % | |
50 | Guyana | 23.301 % | |
51 | Guam | 22.854 % | |
52 | Georgia | 22.768 % | |
53 | Sao Tome and Principe | 22.718 % | |
54 | Iran | 22.683 % | |
55 | Israel | 22.409 % | |
56 | Lesotho | 22.387 % | |
57 | Spain | 22.328 % | |
58 | United States Virgin Islands | 22.111 % | |
59 | Indonesia | 21.436 % | |
60 | Trinidad and Tobago | 21.428 % | |
61 | Brazil | 21.382 % | |
62 | Belize | 20.995 % | |
63 | India | 20.855 % | |
64 | Latvia | 20.418 % | |
65 | Turkey | 20.253 % | |
66 | Lebanon | 20.15 % | |
67 | Romania | 19.678 % | |
68 | Yemen | 19.601 % | |
69 | Syrian Arab Republic | 19.433 % | |
70 | Nepal | 19.053 % | |
71 | Belgium | 18.982 % | |
72 | Azerbaijan | 18.959 % | |
73 | Uzbekistan | 18.882 % | |
74 | South Sudan | 18.553 % | |
75 | Brunei Darussalam | 18.328 % | |
76 | Belarus | 18.074 % | |
77 | Turkmenistan | 17.973 % | |
78 | Malta | 17.572 % | |
79 | Czech Republic | 17.555 % | |
80 | Russia | 17.555 % | |
81 | Iraq | 17.271 % | |
82 | France | 17.178 % | |
83 | Morocco | 17.041 % | |
84 | Ukraine | 16.882 % | |
85 | Jamaica | 16.546 % | |
86 | Rwanda | 15.684 % | |
87 | Slovenia | 15.346 % | |
88 | Mauritania | 15.134 % | |
89 | Equatorial Guinea | 15.098 % | |
90 | Costa Rica | 15.051 % | |
91 | Republic of Moldova | 14.85 % | |
92 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 14.84 % | |
93 | Oman | 14.571 % | |
94 | Gambia | 14.522 % | |
95 | Kazakhstan | 14.349 % | |
96 | Vanuatu | 14.335 % | |
97 | Sweden | 14.312 % | |
98 | Panama | 13.884 % | |
99 | Tonga | 13.865 % | |
100 | Canada | 13.624 % | |
101 | Portugal | 13.492 % | |
102 | Dominican Republic | 13.423 % | |
103 | Paraguay | 13.35 % | |
104 | Hungary | 13.171 % | |
105 | Ghana | 13.052 % | |
106 | United States | 12.362 % | |
107 | Samoa | 12.249 % | |
108 | Armenia | 12.039 % | |
109 | Nicaragua | 12.021 % | |
110 | Australia | 11.962 % | |
111 | El Salvador | 11.901 % | |
112 | Norway | 11.826 % | |
113 | Iceland | 11.815 % | |
114 | China, Macao SAR | 11.813 % | |
115 | Fiji | 11.514 % | |
116 | Malaysia | 11.494 % | |
117 | United Kingdom | 11.236 % | |
118 | Maldives | 11.118 % | |
119 | Germany | 11.024 % | |
120 | Central African Republic | 10.947 % | |
121 | Luxembourg | 10.888 % | |
122 | Ecuador | 10.849 % | |
123 | Mongolia | 10.605 % | |
124 | New Zealand | 10.486 % | |
125 | Eritrea | 10.42 % | |
126 | Japan | 10.199 % | |
127 | Afghanistan | 10.159 % | |
128 | Timor-Leste | 9.951 % | |
129 | Comoros | 9.854 % | |
130 | Singapore | 9.847 % | |
131 | Denmark | 9.804 % | |
132 | China | 9.624 % | |
133 | South Korea | 9.424 % | |
134 | Honduras | 9.201 % | |
135 | Zimbabwe | 8.951 % | |
136 | Philippines | 8.923 % | |
137 | Cameroon | 8.92 % | |
138 | Cyprus | 8.611 % | |
139 | Switzerland | 8.494 % | |
140 | North Korea | 8.039 % | |
141 | Ireland | 7.706 % | |
142 | CΓ΄te d'Ivoire | 7.68 % | |
143 | Austria | 7.429 % | |
144 | Nigeria | 7.233 % | |
145 | Sierra Leone | 7.206 % | |
146 | Togo | 7.173 % | |
147 | Mexico | 7.099 % | |
148 | Madagascar | 6.875 % | |
149 | Malawi | 6.849 % | |
150 | United Arab Emirates | 6.83 % | |
151 | Kenya | 6.829 % | |
152 | Bangladesh | 6.606 % | |
153 | Netherlands | 6.529 % | |
154 | Peru | 6.364 % | |
155 | Mozambique | 6.216 % | |
156 | Guinea | 5.694 % | |
157 | Tanzania | 5.544 % | |
158 | Tajikistan | 5.517 % | |
159 | Bhutan | 5.379 % | |
160 | Uganda | 5.331 % | |
161 | Kuwait | 5.219 % | |
162 | Thailand | 5.188 % | |
163 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 5.07 % | |
164 | Bolivia | 4.956 % | |
165 | Kyrgyzstan | 4.842 % | |
166 | Cuba | 4.742 % | |
167 | Papua New Guinea | 4.725 % | |
168 | Vietnam | 4.718 % | |
169 | Niger | 4.529 % | |
170 | Guatemala | 4.425 % | |
171 | Burkina Faso | 4.339 % | |
172 | Ethiopia | 4.316 % | |
173 | Bahrain | 4.044 % | |
174 | Burundi | 3.854 % | |
175 | Guinea-Bissau | 3.847 % | |
176 | Solomon Islands | 3.544 % | |
177 | Laos | 3.46 % | |
178 | Liberia | 3.252 % | |
179 | Senegal | 2.913 % | |
180 | Qatar | 2.794 % | |
181 | Mali | 2.024 % | |
182 | Cambodia | 1.48 % | |
183 | Myanmar | 1.35 % | |
184 | Chad | 1.097 % | |
185 | Benin | 0.984 % | |
186 | Pakistan | 0.948 % |
- #1
Djibouti
- #2
North Macedonia
- #3
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- #4
Montenegro
- #5
Eswatini
- #6
Botswana
- #7
Libya
- #8
Algeria
- #9
South Africa
- #10
Namibia
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2003, the country with the highest Youth Unemployment Rate was Djibouti at a staggering 66.64%, while the global range spanned from 0.95% to 66.64%. The global average Youth Unemployment Rate was 17.80%, providing a benchmark for understanding the scale of youth joblessness worldwide.
Economic Disparities and Youth Unemployment
The stark differences in youth unemployment rates across countries highlight significant economic disparities. Djibouti, with the highest rate of 66.64%, reflects economic challenges, including limited job creation and a high reliance on informal sectors. In contrast, Pakistan recorded the lowest rate at 0.95%, which may partly result from a high level of informal employment that often goes unreported in official statistics.
In countries like North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with youth unemployment rates of 65.75% and 57.11% respectively, the situation can be attributed to post-conflict economic restructuring challenges. These nations grapple with transitioning economies that struggle to absorb young job seekers into the formal labor market.
Geopolitical Influences on Employment
Geopolitical factors also play a crucial role in shaping youth employment landscapes. In Montenegro and Eswatini, with high unemployment rates of 55.51% and 52.66%, political instability and economic policies have had adverse effects on job creation. Eswatini, in particular, faces structural economic issues, such as a narrow industrial base and dependency on agriculture, which limits opportunities for young workers.
On the other hand, countries like Qatar and Senegal, with lower unemployment rates of 2.79% and 2.91%, benefit from political stability and targeted policies aimed at diversifying the economy and enhancing skill development among youth.
Year-over-Year Trends and Their Implications
Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals dynamic shifts in youth unemployment rates. North Macedonia experienced the largest increase, with a rise of 7.31% (12.5%), indicating worsening economic conditions or changes in labor market policies that failed to absorb young workers. Similarly, Estonia and Lithuania saw significant increases of 6.53% (32.3%) and 6.51% (31.9%), respectively, possibly due to economic transformations and the reorientation of industries.
Conversely, Bulgaria and Argentina recorded substantial decreases of 8.55% (-24.0%) and 8.43% (-20.4%), which may reflect successful policy interventions or economic recovery efforts that improved job prospects for young individuals. In Slovakia, a reduction of 4.02% (-10.7%) indicates positive strides in employment policies and economic stabilization.
Policy Impacts and Future Considerations
Policy interventions play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment. Countries with lower rates often benefit from robust educational systems that align with labor market needs, such as in Qatar, where vocational training and skill development are prioritized. Conversely, high unemployment in South Africa (43.80%) and Namibia (42.87%) highlights the need for policies that enhance economic diversification and reduce barriers to entry for young workers.
Looking forward, addressing youth unemployment requires a multifaceted approach, including fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing educational quality, and implementing targeted labor market reforms. As global economies evolve, adapting to changing demographic and technological trends will be essential to ensuring that young people are equipped to thrive in the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Unemployment Rate in 2003
Which country had the highest youth unemployment rate in 2003?
Djibouti had the highest youth unemployment rate in 2003, with a rate of 66.64%.
Which country had the lowest youth unemployment rate in 2003?
Pakistan had the lowest youth unemployment rate in 2003, with a rate of 0.95%.
What was the average youth unemployment rate across all countries in 2003?
The average youth unemployment rate across all countries in 2003 was 17.8%.
What was the median youth unemployment rate in 2003?
The median youth unemployment rate in 2003 was 14.55%.
What are the top three countries with the highest youth unemployment rates in 2003?
The top three countries with the highest youth unemployment rates in 2003 were Djibouti at 66.64%, North Macedonia at 65.75%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 57.11%.
What are the bottom three countries with the lowest youth unemployment rates in 2003?
The bottom three countries with the lowest youth unemployment rates in 2003 were Pakistan at 0.95%, Benin at 0.98%, and Chad at 1.1%.
Insights by country
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan ranked #165 globally with a Youth Unemployment Rate of 4.842 % in 2003. This rate was notably lower than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a relatively stable labor market for young people at that time. Key factors contributing to this statistic include the country's efforts to promote entrepreneurship and the significant role of remittances from abroad, which can reduce local unemployment pressures.
Kuwait
In 2003, Kuwait had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 5.219 %, ranking #161 out of 186 countries. This rate is relatively low compared to many countries in the Middle East, indicating a more favorable labor market for young individuals. Economic stability driven by oil revenues and a relatively small population contribute to this statistic, as Kuwait has been able to provide job opportunities for its youth through both public and private sectors.
Eritrea
In 2003, Eritrea had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 10.42%, ranking #125 out of 186 countries. This rate is relatively low compared to many other nations in the region, where youth unemployment often exceeds 20%. The country's unique geopolitical situation, including its long-standing conflict with Ethiopia, has impacted economic opportunities for young people, while limited investment in education and vocational training has hindered skill development.
Central African Republic
In 2003, the Youth Unemployment Rate in Central African Republic was 10.947 %, ranking the country #120 out of 186 countries. This rate is relatively low compared to many other nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, where youth unemployment often exceeds 20%. Contributing factors to this statistic include a limited formal job market and ongoing political instability, which hinder economic growth and job creation for young people.
Madagascar
In 2003, Madagascar had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 6.875%, ranking #148 out of 186 countries. This rate is relatively low compared to many African nations, reflecting the challenges of a predominantly informal economy. Key drivers of this statistic include Madagascar's significant agricultural sector, which employs a large portion of the youth, and ongoing economic instability that limits job creation in formal industries.
Suriname
In 2003, Suriname had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 24.14 %, ranking #47 out of 186 countries. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a pressing issue for the nation's young population. Contributing factors include Suriname's reliance on a narrow economic base, primarily dependent on natural resources, and limited job creation in sectors that typically employ youth, such as technology and services.
Cambodia
In 2003, Cambodia had a youth unemployment rate of 1.48%, ranking #182 out of 186 countries. This rate is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a unique labor market situation. Key factors contributing to this low unemployment rate include a youthful population and the country's ongoing recovery from decades of conflict, which has led to increased economic activity and job creation in various sectors.
Philippines
In 2003, the Philippines had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 8.923 %, ranking #136 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting challenges faced by the nation in providing adequate job opportunities for its youth. Contributing factors include a rapidly growing population, limited job creation in key sectors, and economic fluctuations that hinder employment growth.
Brunei Darussalam
In 2003, Brunei Darussalam had a youth unemployment rate of 18.328 %, ranking #75 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than many neighboring Southeast Asian nations, reflecting challenges in job creation for young people in the region. Contributing factors include a small domestic market and a reliance on oil and gas, which limits diversification into sectors that could absorb more youth into the workforce.
Australia
In 2003, Australia had a youth unemployment rate of 11.962%, ranking #110 out of 186 countries. This figure was notably higher than the global average, reflecting challenges in the job market for younger individuals. Contributing factors included the transition from a resource-driven economy to one focused on services, as well as a competitive labor market that often favored experienced workers over youth.
Luxembourg
In 2003, Luxembourg had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 10.888%, ranking #121 out of 186 countries. This rate was notably higher than the European Union average, reflecting challenges in integrating young workers into the labor market. Contributing factors included Luxembourg's small size and reliance on a highly skilled workforce, which can limit opportunities for less experienced youth. Additionally, the country's economic policies and demographic trends played a role in shaping the employment landscape for young people.
Myanmar
In 2003, Myanmar had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 1.35 %, ranking #183 out of 186 countries. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting a unique demographic landscape where a significant portion of the youth population is engaged in informal employment rather than traditional job markets. Contributing factors include limited economic opportunities due to longstanding political instability and a lack of investment in job creation and vocational training programs.
Finland
In 2003, Finland had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 28.102 %, ranking #30 out of 186 countries. This rate was notably higher than the European Union average, reflecting significant challenges in the labor market for young people. Contributing factors included a transition in the economy from traditional industries to technology and services, which created a skills mismatch for many young job seekers.
Equatorial Guinea
In 2003, Equatorial Guinea had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 15.098%, ranking #89 out of 186 countries. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting challenges in job creation for young people in the region. The country's reliance on oil revenues has led to economic volatility, limiting opportunities in other sectors and contributing to a lack of diversified employment options for youth.
Argentina
In 2003, Argentina had a Youth Unemployment Rate of 32.924%, ranking #26 out of 186 countries. This figure was notably higher than the global average, reflecting significant challenges in the labor market. The economic crisis of the early 2000s, characterized by high inflation and a lack of investment, severely impacted job creation for young people, exacerbating unemployment rates in this demographic.
China, Macao SAR
In 2003, China, Macao SAR recorded a youth unemployment rate of 11.813%, ranking #114 out of 186 countries. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting challenges faced by young job seekers in the region. Key drivers include a rapidly changing economy transitioning from tourism and gaming to a more diversified market, alongside a youth demographic that has outpaced job creation in emerging sectors.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua's Youth Unemployment Rate in 2003 was 12.021 %, ranking it #109 out of 186 countries. This rate is relatively high compared to neighboring countries like Costa Rica, which has a lower youth unemployment rate, indicating regional economic challenges.
Key factors contributing to Nicaragua's youth unemployment include a struggling economy, high levels of poverty, and limited job opportunities for young people, exacerbated by political instability and a lack of investment in education and vocational training.
Data Source
Youth unemployment rate
Our World in Data is an online publication that presents empirical research and data on global issues. The "Youth unemployment rate" dataset offers country-level statistics on the unemployment rates specifically for young people, allowing for comparative analysis across different nations and time periods.
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