Iraq: Youth unemployment
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
| Iraq |
Youth unemployment, ages 15-24 |
|---|---|
| Latest value | 32.01 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Measure | percent |
| Data availability | 1991 - 2025 |
| Average | 20.47 |
| Min - Max | 15.21 - 35.65 |
| Source | The World Bank |
The latest value from 2025 is 32.01 percent, an increase from 31.73 percent in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 15.49 percent, based on data from 176 countries. Historically, the average for Iraq from 1991 to 2025 is 20.47 percent. The minimum value, 15.21 percent, was reached in 1994 while the maximum of 35.65 percent was recorded in 2021.
See the global rankings or
world map for that indicator or
use the country comparator to compare trends over time.
Select indicator
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
Recent data
Historical series
We present the rate of youth unemployment for Iraq and other countries. Youth unemployment is the percent of 15-24 year olds who are part of the labor force but are unemployed. Recall that the labor force includes the employed and the unemployed people.
Definition: Youth unemployment refers to the share of the labor force ages 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment.
Selected articles from our guide:
Are trade deficits bad for the economy?
Sources of economic growth
Currency values and investment returns
How to write an economics research paper
All articles
| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 12.49 | 2025 | million people |
| Unemployment rate | 15.48 | 2025 | percent |
| Female unemployment | 30.09 | 2025 | percent |
| Male unemployment | 13.25 | 2025 | percent |
| Youth unemployment | 32.01 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force participation | 41.53 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force: percent female | 13.26 | 2025 | percent |
| Female labor force participation | 10.94 | 2025 | percent |
| Male labor force participation | 72.58 | 2025 | percent |
| Self-employment | 31.60 | 2023 | percent |