Unemployment rate in Sweden 2001-2021, by gender
In Sweden, the unemployment rate was higher among men than among women over the past decade. However, in 2019, female unemployment rate was higher for the first time since 2008. In 2021, the unemployment rate among men was 8.5 percent, compared to 9.1 for women. The general unemployment rate was nearly nine percent in 2021.
Higher unemployment rate among youth
The young population, from 15 to 19 years, had the highest rate of unemployment in 2020. In this age group, the unemployment rate was 37.4 percent. The second highest unemployment rate was in the age group from 20 to 24 years, reaching nearly 18 percent.
Unemployment benefits
To be eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Sweden, the unemployed needs to be registered at the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), needs to be ready to take a job at any time, and needs to have had a job for at least six months during the last year. Over 340,000 individuals in Sweden received unemployment benefits (A-kassa) in 2020.
Higher unemployment rate among youth
The young population, from 15 to 19 years, had the highest rate of unemployment in 2020. In this age group, the unemployment rate was 37.4 percent. The second highest unemployment rate was in the age group from 20 to 24 years, reaching nearly 18 percent.
Unemployment benefits
To be eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Sweden, the unemployed needs to be registered at the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), needs to be ready to take a job at any time, and needs to have had a job for at least six months during the last year. Over 340,000 individuals in Sweden received unemployment benefits (A-kassa) in 2020.
