Spain's Unemployment Falls to Lowest Level in 18 Years

The number of employed people in Spain reached a record high during the second quarter as the country's unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in 18 years.

Spain created nearly 486,000 jobs in the second quarter, pushing unemployment to its lowest level in nearly two decades.

According to Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), employment rose by 486,000 between April and June, bringing the total number of people in work to 22.779 million.

During the same period, unemployment declined by 213,300, pushing the jobless rate below 10%, Christina Thykjaer reported for Euronews.

The increase coincided with the start of the summer tourism season, traditionally a strong period for hiring, particularly in the services sector.

Spain's labor force also expanded by 272,700 people during the quarter to a record 25.27 million, reflecting growth in both employment and the number of job seekers.

The services sector generated most of the new jobs, supported by tourism, while construction and industry also posted gains. Agriculture was the only sector to register employment losses.

Catalonia recorded the largest increase in employment in absolute terms, while the Balearic Islands posted the strongest percentage growth.