The OECD analyses how many young people are neither studying nor working. Both, the crisis and the high levels of unemployment have elevated the figures of Southern Europe. Mexico is among the Top 5

Turkey, Greece, Italy and Spain are the four countries before Mexico in the OECD ranking of NEETs.

In Turkey, the percentage of NEETs reaches 29.8% of youth, in Greece 26.9%, Italy 24.7%, Spain 22.7%, and in Mexico 22.1%.

Chile is number 6 in the ranking, with around 20% of NEETs.

According to another study developed by OECD, the analyses made in Spain states that the percentage of NEETs is almost 8 points higher than the average of industrialized countries.

The number of the so-called NEETs has grown in most OECD countries as a consequence of the economic crisis. In 2015, the total number of NEETs in the OECD reached 40 million people, among whom two thirds were not actively looking for a job (inactive NEETs). Spain, Greece and Italy suffered a second crisis in 2011-2012, when the proportion of young people with a job was just stabilizing. Other countries, such as Estonia, Hungary, or Iceland, have already recovered, or are recovering, their pre-crisis youth employment levels.

The OECD study points out that the largest share of youth never become NEETs. However, among those who do become, even for a short time, there are different kinds. There are youngsters who are NEETs for a short period of time, usually upon graduation and until they get a job. But there are others who are neither in employment nor education for over a year (around 20% of NEETs).

The survey also shows that women are more likely to endure this situation, having 1.4 extra chances than men. The main reason is that they tend to take care of their children or other relatives. The situation is even more likely when single moms are considered, who find it harder to get a job or study.