Arab World vs South Africa: Unemployment, male (% of male labor force)

Arab World
7.1%
in 2016
South Africa
30.4%
in 2024
Arab World rank
3rd
South Africa rank
2nd

Unemployment, male (% of male labor force) over time

  • Arab World
  • South Africa
10203040199720102024

How they compare

South Africa currently reports 30.4% against 7.1% in Arab World, a difference of 23.3%.

That makes South Africa's figure about 4.3 times Arab World's.

Across all 10 years both countries report, South Africa has been ahead every year.

Arab World ranks 3rd and South Africa ranks 2nd of 24 groups.

South Africa has averaged higher in every one of the 2 decades both report.

Head to head by decade

Decade Arab World South Africa Difference Ahead
2000s 8.1% 21.8% 13.8% South Africa
2010s 8.0% 23.2% 15.2% South Africa

Averages of every year both report within each decade.

Frequently asked questions

Which has higher unemployment, male (% of male labor force), Arab World or South Africa?
South Africa, at 30.4% against 7.1% in Arab World as of 2024.
What is the difference in unemployment, male (% of male labor force) between Arab World and South Africa?
23.3%, with South Africa ahead.
How many years of comparable data are there for Arab World and South Africa?
10 years are reported by both, from 2005 to 2016.
How do Arab World and South Africa rank globally for unemployment, male (% of male labor force)?
Arab World ranks 3rd and South Africa ranks 2nd of 24 groups.
Where does this data come from?
Labour Force Statistics database (LFS), International Labour Organization (ILO), published as Unemployment, male (% of male labor force) (national estimate). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.

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Arab World vs South Africa: Unemployment, male (% of male labor force). Statizoid, drawing on Labour Force Statistics database (LFS), International Labour Organization (ILO). Retrieved 18 September 2026, from https://labour.statizoid.com/compare/unemployment-male-percent-of-male-labor-force-national-estimate/arab-world/south-africa/

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About this data

Indicator
Unemployment, male (% of male labor force) (national estimate)
Source
Labour Force Statistics database (LFS), International Labour Organization (ILO)
Licence
CC BY 4.0 (World Bank Open Data)
Coverage
205 places, 5,415 data points, 1960–2025
Last refreshed

Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. Definitions of labor force and unemployment differ by country.