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UK vs Saudi Arabia Unemployment
United Kingdom moved above Saudi Arabia in 2002. In 1991 Saudi Arabia stood at roughly 86% of United Kingdom’s Unemployment; today the figure is about 64%, and the pair was closest in 2023 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 8.55% | 7.32% | 86% |
| 1970 | 8.55% | 7.32% | 86% |
| 1980 | 8.55% | 7.32% | 86% |
| 1990 | 8.55% | 7.32% | 86% |
| 2000 | 5.56% | 4.57% | 82% |
| 2010 | 7.97% | 5.55% | 70% |
| 2020 | 4.47% | 7.66% | 171% |
| 2025 | 4.75% | 3.04% | 64% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom move above Saudi Arabia in Unemployment?
In 2002. United Kingdom’s published Unemployment rose above Saudi Arabia’s that year.
How do United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 4.75% against 3.04% — the trailing economy stands at about 64% 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: