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China vs Australia Unemployment
China moved above Australia in 2008. In 1991 Australia stood at roughly 404% of China’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 89%, and the pair was closest in 2007 (101%).
| Year | China | Australia | Australia as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 2.37% | 9.59% | 404% |
| 1970 | 2.37% | 9.59% | 404% |
| 1980 | 2.37% | 9.59% | 404% |
| 1990 | 2.37% | 9.59% | 404% |
| 2000 | 3.26% | 6.29% | 193% |
| 2010 | 4.53% | 5.21% | 115% |
| 2020 | 5% | 6.39% | 128% |
| 2025 | 4.62% | 4.09% | 89% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China move above Australia in Unemployment?
In 2008. China’s published Unemployment rose above Australia’s that year.
How do China and Australia compare today?
China is ahead: 4.62% against 4.09% — the trailing economy stands at about 89% of the leader.
Are these Unemployment figures nominal or adjusted?
The series is a share expressed in % of total labor force, exactly as the World Bank publishes it; movements are percentage points, not percent.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: