Chechnya struck with unemployment

The highest level of unemployment comparing with other Russian regions is registered in Chechnya. Eighty per cent of the republic's able-bodied population is jobless. This is what Chechnya's Economic Development and Trade Minister Abdula Magomadov told Interfax.

"The number of unemployed persons in the Chechen Republic is currently 467,700. This figure grew considerably in 2004, by 14,200 comparing with late 2003," noted Magomadov. Meanwhile, the number of the republic's able-bodied population was 585,200, which is 9% higher than in 2003.

The minister said the majority of employed residents of the republic work in education, healthcare and agriculture.

The main reason for high unemployment is seen by Magomadov in the low rates at which the manufacturing sector and services are being reconstructed where the majority of the population was previously employed.