Countries by Unemployment Rate 2026

About This Dataset

Countries ranked by official unemployment rate as a percentage of the labour force in 2026, according to ILO and IMF estimates. South Africa has persistently recorded one of the world's highest unemployment rates among major economies — with structural unemployment exceeding 32% in 2026, reflecting deep economic inequalities rooted in the apartheid legacy, a mismatch between workforce skills and labour market demand, and an energy infrastructure crisis that has constrained business investment and job creation for over a decade.

✨ AI Insight

The unemployment landscape in 2026 reveals a stark divide between nations, with South Africa's rate of 32.5% far exceeding that of any other major economy. This high figure is indicative of deep-rooted structural issues, including a legacy of apartheid and ongoing skill mismatches in the labor market. Venezuela, with an unemployment rate of 18.3%, also faces significant economic challenges, likely due to political instability and economic mismanagement. Conversely, countries like Singapore and Japan demonstrate robust labor markets, with rates below 3%, reflecting effective economic policies and strong job creation strategies. The data suggests that while some nations struggle with high unemployment, others have successfully navigated economic challenges to maintain low rates.

Source: Wikipedia

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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South Africa leads with 33 in 2026.

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Average value in 2026: 11 · median: 8.

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Gap in 2026: South Africa is 16.3× larger than Singapore.