The unemployment rate continued to decline from 8.8 percent in 2002 to its lowest level of 5.2 percent in 2008. A gradual decline in unemployment is observed during the 2002-2009 period although it became 5.8 in 2009.

It is estimated that the unemployment rate for 2009 will remain at the same level as in 2008 which is 5.2 %, with the revival of economic activity of the North and East coupled with the improvements in external demand.

According to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the unemployment rate for the 3rd quarter of 2009 slightly increased to 5.9 percent due to the pressure on the domestic establishments from the shrinking external demand.

43 percent of the total employed population of about 7.6 million is engaged in the services sector. In the agriculture and industrial sectors, employment stood at 32 percent and 25 percent respectively in the third quarter of 2009.

A declining trend in employment in the industry and agriculture sectors is observed while employment in the services sector has increased.