World Unemployment Rate 1991-2022
Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
- World unemployment rate for 2021 was 6.18%, a 0.4% decline from 2020.
- World unemployment rate for 2020 was 6.57%, a 1.22% increase from 2019.
- World unemployment rate for 2019 was 5.36%, a 0.03% decline from 2018.
- World unemployment rate for 2018 was 5.39%, a 0.17% decline from 2017.
| World Unemployment Rate - Historical Data |
| Year |
Unemployment Rate (%) |
Annual Change |
| 2021 |
6.18% |
-0.40% |
| 2020 |
6.57% |
1.22% |
| 2019 |
5.36% |
-0.03% |
| 2018 |
5.39% |
-0.17% |
| 2017 |
5.56% |
-0.10% |
| 2016 |
5.66% |
0.04% |
| 2015 |
5.62% |
0.02% |
| 2014 |
5.60% |
-0.12% |
| 2013 |
5.73% |
-0.01% |
| 2012 |
5.74% |
-0.03% |
| 2011 |
5.77% |
-0.14% |
| 2010 |
5.90% |
-0.10% |
| 2009 |
6.01% |
0.60% |
| 2008 |
5.41% |
-0.01% |
| 2007 |
5.42% |
-0.22% |
| 2006 |
5.63% |
-0.27% |
| 2005 |
5.90% |
-0.10% |
| 2004 |
6.00% |
-0.16% |
| 2003 |
6.16% |
0.09% |
| 2002 |
6.07% |
0.22% |
| 2001 |
5.86% |
0.09% |
| 2000 |
5.77% |
-0.20% |
| 1999 |
5.97% |
0.11% |
| 1998 |
5.86% |
0.15% |
| 1997 |
5.70% |
0.00% |
| 1996 |
5.70% |
0.07% |
| 1995 |
5.63% |
0.14% |
| 1994 |
5.49% |
0.26% |
| 1993 |
5.23% |
0.27% |
| 1992 |
4.96% |
0.16% |
| 1991 |
4.80% |
0.16% |
