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South Korea vs Saudi Arabia Unemployment
Saudi Arabia moved above South Korea in 1998. In 1991 South Korea stood at roughly 33% of Saudi Arabia’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 88%, and the pair was closest in 2000 (89%).
| Year | South Korea | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia as % of South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 7.32% | 2.41% | 33% |
| 1970 | 7.32% | 2.41% | 33% |
| 1980 | 7.32% | 2.41% | 33% |
| 1990 | 7.32% | 2.41% | 33% |
| 2000 | 4.57% | 4.06% | 89% |
| 2010 | 5.55% | 3.32% | 60% |
| 2020 | 7.66% | 3.93% | 51% |
| 2025 | 3.04% | 2.68% | 88% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Saudi Arabia move above South Korea in Unemployment?
In 1998. Saudi Arabia’s published Unemployment rose above South Korea’s that year.
How do Korea, Rep. and Saudi Arabia compare today?
Saudi Arabia is ahead: 3.04% against 2.68% — the trailing economy stands at about 88% 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: