Bhutan’s overall unemployment rate for 2023 is 3.5%
The overall youth unemployment rate in Bhutan is 15.9%. However, notable distinctions exist between genders, with the male youth unemployment rate at 13.4% and the female rate at 18.3%. This gender disparity reflects the challenges faced by young women in the job market, this is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) conducted in September 2023.
Bhutan’s overall unemployment rate for 2023 is 3.5%, but there is a significant contrast between urban and rural areas. Urban areas report a 6.2% unemployment rate, while rural areas experience a much lower rate of 1.9%. Females in urban settings face a higher unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to males at 2.7%.
Thimphu Thromde emerges as the area with the highest unemployment rate at 8.1%, while Wangdue Phodrang boasts the lowest rate at 0.3%. These regional variations underscore the need for targeted interventions in specific areas to address employment challenges effectively.
The survey identifies “Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Worker” as the top employment category, constituting 43.0% of the workforce. In contrast, “Armed Force” represents the smallest employment group at 0.8%. Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag stands out with the highest employment rate of 99.7%, while Thimphu Thromde records the lowest at 91.9%.
Approximately 76.8% of Bhutan’s total population falls within the working-age bracket, with 65.0% considered economically active. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) stands at 65.0%, with variations observed between rural (65.9%) and urban (63.4%) areas, as well as between male (72.4%) and female (56.8%) LFPR.
The QLFS, funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan, collected comprehensive data from a meticulously designed sample of 3,027 households (37.7% urban, 62.3% rural) across twenty Dzongkhags. The survey achieved an impressive response rate of 99.4%, thanks to the dedication of 75 enumerators and 20 supervisors who conducted field enumeration nationwide.
This survey marks a significant stride towards enhancing our understanding of Bhutan’s labor market, providing a foundation for evidence-based policymaking to address unemployment challenges and foster inclusive economic growth.
By Kinley Yonten
