NSO statistics show that in the ?rst quarter this year, the Labour Force Survey estimates indicate an increase of 1.7 per cent in employment when compared to last year. During the ?rst quarter of 2013, nearly half the persons aged 15 and over were employed. The National statistics office said that a total employment during the period stood at 174,174, while unemployed and inactive persons stood at 11,285 (3 per cent) and 174,278 (48 per cent). The activity rate, which corresponds to the share of persons aged 15-64 who were either employed or unemployed, was estimated at 64 per cent. This rate increased by 2 percentage points among females and 1 percentage point among males. More than 75 per cent of the surveyed population aged 25-54 was economically active during the period under review. The NSO explained that out of every 100 persons aged 15-64 who were surveyed during the ?rst quarter, 60 were employed. The highest employment rate was recorded among persons aged between 25 and 54. The employment rate varied from 46 per cent among females to 73 per cent among males. The largest share of employed men (32 per cent) were engaged in wholesale and retail trade, transportation and storage, accommodation and food service activities. On the other hand, 40 per cent of the female employed population worked in public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities. In terms of professional status, self-employed persons accounted for nearly 14 per cent of