World Unemployment Rate 1991-2024
Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
- World unemployment rate for 2023 was 4.96%, a 0.3% decline from 2022.
- World unemployment rate for 2022 was 5.26%, a 0.77% decline from 2021.
- World unemployment rate for 2021 was 6.03%, a 0.55% decline from 2020.
- World unemployment rate for 2020 was 6.59%, a 1% increase from 2019.
| World Unemployment Rate - Historical Data |
| Year |
Unemployment Rate (%) |
Annual Change |
| 2023 |
4.96% |
-0.30% |
| 2022 |
5.26% |
-0.77% |
| 2021 |
6.03% |
-0.55% |
| 2020 |
6.59% |
1.00% |
| 2019 |
5.58% |
-0.17% |
| 2018 |
5.76% |
-0.16% |
| 2017 |
5.92% |
-0.09% |
| 2016 |
6.01% |
-0.04% |
| 2015 |
6.05% |
0.03% |
| 2014 |
6.02% |
-0.15% |
| 2013 |
6.17% |
-0.06% |
| 2012 |
6.23% |
-0.01% |
| 2011 |
6.24% |
-0.15% |
| 2010 |
6.39% |
-0.13% |
| 2009 |
6.51% |
0.58% |
| 2008 |
5.94% |
0.04% |
| 2007 |
5.90% |
-0.21% |
| 2006 |
6.11% |
-0.26% |
| 2005 |
6.37% |
-0.08% |
| 2004 |
6.45% |
-0.12% |
| 2003 |
6.57% |
0.10% |
| 2002 |
6.47% |
0.24% |
| 2001 |
6.22% |
0.09% |
| 2000 |
6.13% |
-0.13% |
| 1999 |
6.27% |
0.14% |
| 1998 |
6.13% |
0.17% |
| 1997 |
5.95% |
0.05% |
| 1996 |
5.91% |
0.09% |
| 1995 |
5.82% |
0.15% |
| 1994 |
5.67% |
0.25% |
| 1993 |
5.42% |
0.27% |
| 1992 |
5.15% |
0.15% |
| 1991 |
5.00% |
0.15% |
