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Japan vs UK Unemployment
United Kingdom moved above Japan in 2001. In 1991 Japan stood at roughly 24% of United Kingdom’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 52%, and the pair was closest in 2004 (103%).
| Year | Japan | United Kingdom | UK as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 8.55% | 2.06% | 24% |
| 1970 | 8.55% | 2.06% | 24% |
| 1980 | 8.55% | 2.06% | 24% |
| 1990 | 8.55% | 2.06% | 24% |
| 2000 | 5.56% | 4.75% | 85% |
| 2010 | 7.97% | 5.1% | 64% |
| 2020 | 4.47% | 2.81% | 63% |
| 2025 | 4.75% | 2.45% | 52% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom move above Japan in Unemployment?
In 2001. United Kingdom’s published Unemployment rose above Japan’s that year.
How do Japan and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 4.75% against 2.45% — the trailing economy stands at about 52% 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: