The country’s youth unemployment rate continues to rise. According to the National Statistics Bureau’s third-quarter Labour Force Survey Report for 2025, the youth unemployment rate has risen to 17.8 per cent, up from 17.3 per cent in the second quarter. It has increased by 1.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. The youth unemployment rate is defined as the percentage of unemployed persons in the age group 15-24 years.
The report reveals that youth unemployment is higher in urban areas, at 21.1 per cent, compared to 15.8 per cent in rural areas.
The report also shows that unemployment is highest among the 20 to 24 age group, reflecting ongoing challenges for young Bhutanese seeking stable jobs after completing their studies.
Among the actively unemployed, 61.5 per cent have been without work for less than six months, while 38.5 per cent have been unemployed for six months or more.
Notably, 18.6 per cent of unemployed persons have been seeking work for over a year, a group classified as long-term unemployed.
The survey shows that 65.5 per cent of the total working-age population is economically active.
Overall, rural areas account for a larger share of the workforce, with 64.5 per cent engaged in economic activities, while urban areas account for 35.5 per cent.
Most rural workers are involved in agricultural activities, while urban employment is concentrated in the services and industry sectors.
The survey sample included over 3,000 households from across the country.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
