WILLEMSTAD – During a press conference held today, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Curaçao presented the results of the 2024 Labor Force Survey, as well as four new publications from the 2023 Census.
2024 Labor Force Survey Results
CBS conducted the Labor Force Survey (AKO) in Curaçao between October 19 and November 30, 2024. This annual household-based survey has been conducted since 1987, typically in September or October, with the aim of measuring the most recent developments in the labor market. It covers indicators such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation, the number of employed persons, and those actively seeking work.
Below are some key findings from the 2024 Labor Market report:
Unemployment dropped significantly, from 13.1% in 2022 to 7.8% in 2024. In absolute numbers, this means 3,941 fewer unemployed persons, a decrease of 39.3%.
The total number of employed persons rose from 66,722 in 2022 to 71,919 in 2024, an increase of 5,197 individuals.
There was also a decline in the number of people actively looking for work, from 10,035 in 2022 to 6,094 in 2024. According to the international definition CBS uses—aligned with global standards—someone is considered unemployed only if they are actively seeking work (e.g., applying) and available to start within two weeks.
The active population (employed plus those seeking work) increased from 76,575 in 2022 to 78,013 in 2024, a growth of 1,256 people. However, the economically inactive population also increased by 7,440 people, reaching 54,919, which represents a growth of 15.7%.
Youth unemployment (ages 15–24) dropped from 29.8% in 2022 to 16.3% in 2024. During the same period, the total number of young people in this age group declined by 358. CBS emphasized that labor force statistics include individuals aged 15 and up, and many people between 15 and 24 are still in school or taking courses, but may be seeking part-time or temporary jobs. Anyone actively seeking and available to work within two weeks is counted as unemployed.
CBS encourages the public to visit its website for access to the full 2024 Labor Force Survey results and the new Census 2023 publications.
