Unemployment in the TRNC remains below 5%: fresh labor market data released.
Unemployment in Northern Cyprus Remains Among the Lowest in the Region
The Statistical Office of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has released the results of its labor force survey for the third quarter of 2025. According to the report, the country's unemployment rate stood at 4.7%, reflecting the continued stability of the local labor market.
Between July and September 2025, the number of unemployed residents totaled 9,429, while employment reached 189,791 people. The working-age population exceeded 377,000, and the labor force participation rate was recorded at 52.8%.
Labor Market Overview
Men continue to make up the majority of the workforce in Northern Cyprus. They account for 65.8% of all employed people, with an employment rate of 62.2%. Among women, the figures remain lower, with 34.2% representing the share of total employment and an employment rate of 36.8%.
Key Employment Sectors
The services industry remains the backbone of the Northern Cyprus economy and continues to provide the largest share of jobs.
Employment is distributed across the main sectors as follows:
Services — 75.4%
Construction — 11.5%
Industry — 10.5%
Agriculture — 2.7%
The service sector continues to play a vital role in supporting economic growth and creating new employment opportunities.
Education Profile of the Workforce
The survey also shows that more than one-third of employed residents have an education level below secondary school or do not hold a formal diploma. At the same time, a significant proportion of the workforce has completed secondary or vocational education, providing qualified professionals for the country's key industries.
Comparison with Southern Cyprus
While Northern Cyprus maintains a stable labor market, Southern Cyprus has experienced a different trend. As of April 2026, the number of unemployed people there had risen to 10,585, representing a 10.4% increase compared to the same period a year earlier.
According to economic experts, Northern Cyprus' consistently low unemployment rate remains one of the country's key strengths. It contributes to economic stability and enhances the region's attractiveness for both businesses and property investors despite ongoing regional and global economic challenges.
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