Beuermann, Diether, et al. (2018). Guyana Labor Force Survey: Third Quarter 2017. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/1980-9577

1. English

What is the Guyana Labor Force Survey (July–September 2017)?

This dataset captures quarterly data on the Guyana employment rate, labor participation, and unemployment trends. It represents the first round of a continuous survey program designed to track workforce dynamics and economic shifts in Guyana.

Who conducted the survey?

The survey was conducted by Guyana’s Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as part of an initiative to strengthen labor market data collection and policy analysis.

What kind of information does the dataset include?

The dataset provides microdata on:

1. Employment and unemployment rates
2. Labor force participation by gender and age
3. Job sector distribution (agriculture, industry, services)
4. Education and skill levels of workers
5. Income and hours worked

How often is the survey conducted?

The Labor Force Survey follows a quarterly cycle and uses an individual-level rotating panel, allowing researchers to observe short-term employment trends and structural changes in the Guyanese labor market over time.

What is the significance of the Guyana employment rate data?

The Guyana employment rate is a key indicator of economic health, productivity, and social well-being. It helps identify gender gaps, youth employment challenges, and the effectiveness of job creation policies.

Where can I find methodology and documentation?

The package includes a comprehensive survey report and metadata files detailing sampling design, variable definitions, and data collection methods. Documentation is also available through the SIMS – Labor Market and Social Security Information System.

How can this dataset be used for policy or research?

Researchers and policymakers can use this dataset to:

1. Analyze quarterly trends in employment and unemployment
2. Evaluate gender disparities and sectoral shifts in jobs
3. Support evidence-based labor market and education policies
4. Contribute to regional comparisons within the Caribbean

What is the current labor force participation rate in Guyana?

The dataset reports a participation rate of 47.89% in Q4 2017, with no statistically significant change from Q3 2017.

What percentage of people in Guyana work in agriculture?

The dataset codes industry/occupation; agriculture is identifiable but not aggregated in the public release.

What is Guyana’s female labor force participation rate?

Sex-disaggregated data are available; female participation is lower than male participation in Q4 2017.

What are Guyana’s labor force participation rate statistics?

Q4 2017 participation rate: 47.89%.

How does the Guyanese government calculate employment figures in rural vs urban areas?

The dataset distinguishes urban vs rural zones and coast vs interior domains.

What is the difference between male vs female labor force participation in Guyana?

Sex-disaggregated data show lower female participation.

Region codes are included; Region 4 (Georgetown) is separately representative.

What is Guyana's employment rate?

Q4 2017 employment-population ratio: 47.89%.

What is the latest unemployment rate in Guyana, and the date of the data?

Q4 2017 unemployment rate: 12.19%.

How reliable are employment statistics in Guyana, and which sources should I trust?

The GLFS is a nationally representative survey conducted by the Guyana Bureau of Statistics with IDB support, using stratified two-stage sampling and rotation panels.

Industry codes (ISIC) are included, but sectoral aggregates are not published in the public dataset.

What are the employment and unemployment rates by region/district within Guyana?

Region codes allow disaggregation, though only Region 4 is separately representative.

As a small business owner in Guyana, what is the current labor supply and unemployment rate I should expect when hiring?

Q4 2017 unemployment rate: 12.19%; participation rate: 47.89%.