Are Young People More Worried About Unemployment?
South Africa tops the list: 76% call unemployment a top issue for their country, per a Statista Consumer Insights survey of 8 nations. Official data confirms it: jobless rate hit 33.6% in Q2 2026, highest since Aug 2022. Argentina ranks 2nd at 58% despite a 7.8% rate. Source: Statista
A new Statista Consumer Insights survey across eight countries shows how unevenly unemployment concern is spread worldwide. South Africa leads by far: 76% of respondents overall, and 72% of 18-24 year-olds, say unemployment is among the biggest issues facing their country. That result lines up with official numbers. Statistics South Africa confirmed on August 11, 2026 that the country's unemployment rate climbed to 33.6% in the second quarter, its highest level since August 2022, with 8.5 million people out of work. Argentina comes second in the survey at 58% overall, even though its official unemployment rate is much lower, at 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026 according to INDEC. Analysts point to a shift toward lower-quality work under President Milei's economic overhaul: formal employment has declined while informal employment has risen, alongside a wave of business closures. Germany, the United Arab Emirates and China show the least concern, with overall figures in the low-to-mid 20% range. The survey polled 7,000 to 60,400 respondents aged 18-64 per country between July 2025 and July 2026. Source: Statista Consumer Insights via Statista.