Kuwait Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Kuwait's unemployment rate was 2.18% in December 2025, up from 2.15% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 2.15%.
Kuwait's unemployment rate stands at 2.18% as of December 2025. The unemployment rate currently sits at 2.18% (up from 2.15% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 0.69% and 3.49%, and is 0.03% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, Kuwait ranks #200 on unemployment rate by latest value. It rose from 2.15% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 2.15%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 2.18% |
| Dec 2024 | 2.15% |
| Dec 2023 | 2.08% |
| Dec 2022 | 2.13% |
| Dec 2021 | 2.97% |
| Dec 2020 | 3.49% |
| Dec 2019 | 2.21% |
| Dec 2018 | 2.20% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Kuwait in 2026?
Kuwait's unemployment rate was 2.18% in December 2025, up from 2.15% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 2.15%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Kuwait?
It rose in the latest reading — 2.18% in December 2025 versus 2.15% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.