More young people in Sweden fall outside work and study

The share of young people in Sweden who neither work nor study has risen, with foreign-born young people facing a particularly difficult route into employment and education.

MUCF’s new report puts the share at 6.2% in 2024, up from 5.8% in 2023. Among foreign-born young men, it was 11.3%, the highest proportion among the groups compared.

The report, published on Wednesday, brings together indicators from different years and age groups. The work-and-study figures describe 2024.

Mental health remains another concern. In 2025, 56% of people aged 16–24 reported worry, anxiety or anguish, including 71% of young women and 43% of young men.

The annual overview also records positive developments, including more young people completing upper-secondary education and moving into university studies.

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