Jobless rate falls to 9.1% in 2009 in Morocco

    In urban areas, the rate reached 13.8% against 14.7%, while in rural areas, it stabilized at 4%, the HCP added.

    The decrease in unemployment rate benefited mainly urban population aged between 25 and 34 (-1 point), and graduates (-1.4%), said the same source.

    During the 4th quarter of 2009, the unemployment rate reached 9% against 9.8% during the 3rd quarter, 8% in the 2nd and 9.6% in the 1st, the HCP said, adding that the rate of underemployment rose from 9.6% to 10% between 2008 and 2009.

    The working population aged 15 and over reached in 2009 some 11.3 million people, that is a slight increase of 0.4% compared to 2008 (+0.7% in urban areas and + 0.1% in rural areas), according to the same source.

    In terms of employment, 113,900 paid positions were created last year (103,600 jobs in towns and 10,300 jobs in the countryside).