The National Statistics Bureau’s first quarterly Labour Force Survey Report for 2024 shows that the youth unemployment rate reached 22.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year. In the last quarterly Labour Force Survey, published in November last year, the rate was 15.9 per cent. The survey also reveals that the overall unemployment rate is 4.1 per cent in the first quarter.
The survey reveals that more male youth were unemployed compared to females between January and the end of March.
During this period, the male youth unemployment rate stood at 25.7 per cent, while for females, it was 19.7 per cent.
The NSB report also shows that youth unemployment in urban areas is higher than in rural areas. The survey included a sample size of 3,012 households from across the country.
Key findings from the survey indicate that of the total working-age population, only 63.9 per cent are economically active.
In rural areas, 67 per cent of the working-age population is economically active, compared to 58.8 per cent in urban areas.
Additionally, 72.8 per cent of working-age males are economically active, compared to 54.1 per cent of females in the first quarter.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors have the highest employment rates, whereas the armed forces have the lowest.
Gasa and Pema Gatshel districts have the highest employment rates in the country at 99.5 per cent, while Gelephu Thromde has the lowest at 90.6 per cent.
The NSB conducted the first quarterly labour force survey in September of last year. According to the NSB, the quarterly survey will provide key indicators and associated characteristics of the labour market in accordance with International Labour Organisation standards.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Sherub Dorji
