UNEMPLOYMENT
In the first quarter of 2003 HLFS,the number The unemployment
of unemployed persons was estimated to
rate was
be 2 million 844 thousand persons with
estimated
an increase of 313 thousand persons (12.3%),
to be 17.1%
when compared to the results of the same
in non-
quarter of previous year. The unemployment
agriculture
rate was estimated to be 12.3% for Turkey
sector.
and it was estimated to be 17.1% for non-agricultural sector. These rates were 11.5% and 16.1%, respectively in the same quarter of previous year.

16.6% of total unemployed persons (471
16.6% of total unemployed
thousand persons) loosed their job, 17.2% of
persons comprised
those(489 thousand persons) was the first time
from persons who
job seekers.
loosed their job.

The unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2003 HLFS, was estimated to be 12.6% for male and 11.6% for female. The unemployment rate for urban areas was estimated to be 15.4% for total, 14% for male and 20.3% for female. In rural areas, this rate was estimated to be 8.3% for total, 10.3% for male and 4.8% for female.

However the unemployment rate of educated young
people decreased to 27.9% in the first quarter
The unemployment
of 2003 when it was 29.2% in the same quarter previous
rate of educated
year. Unemployment, among educated young people
young people was
was high in urban areas. The unemployment rate of the estimated to be
educated young people in urban areas was 29.5% for 27.9% for Turkey
total, 25.6% for male and 35.2% for female in the firstand 29.5%
quarter of 2003 HLFS. In rural areas, this rate was in urban
23.5% for total, 23.5% for male and 23.7% for female.areas.
.