Unemployment in the DR has decreased since the early 1990's, but at an irregular rate with a considerable upswing during 2000-2004. This increase was due primarily to the deterioration of economic activity during the banking crisis and the unwise policies subsequently implemented by the government to respond to the crisis. This macroeconomic upheaval reduced the quality of life in the DR, not only because of price increases but also losses in income and decreased job opportunities. The Leonel Fernández administration, which entered office in 2004, has modified certain social policies to benefit the unemployed and the country's poorest populations. Since then, unemployment levels have fallen again (as of 2005), though they have not returned to the lowest levels seen in the year 2000 (13.9%).

Rates of Unemployment in the DR

Rates of Unemployment in the DR - Source: Social Information Unit - Technical Secretary of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic

According to the VIII National Population and Housing Census of 2002, highest rates of unemployment are found in the provinces of Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Santiago, San Cristóbal, La Vega, San Pedro de Macorís, Puerto Plata, and San Juan de la Maguana. In terms of the total employed population of the country, the areas of Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Santiago, San Cristóbal, La Vega, San Pedro de Macorís, Puerto Plata, and Duarte contain 66.3% of the country's total working population.

According to national unemployment statistics for 2005, 63% of the DR's unemployed are between 20 and 39 years old. On the other hand, women account for just 34% of employed people in the country. Men account for 66%.

In an effort to reduce unemployment levels in the country, President Leonel Fernández declared 2006 the Year of Job Creation (Decree No. 1-06). This effort includes support for public and private initiatives that contribute to the creation of job. The President has proposed the creation of 500,000 new jobs between 2006-2008.