The sharp slowdown of the Colombian economy, because of the global
financial crisis is devastating the labor market. 2.5 million
Colombians are without work.
According to the official figures for February, 12.5 percent of the employable population is jobless, which is a half percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The situation in cities is worse; urban unemployment rose from 12.6 to 13.6 percent, while in the countryside unemployment went from 8.2 to 8.5.
Compared to last year, 167 thousand more Colombians are without work.