On Unemployment Rates and Statistics, Greece.

I am still puzzled by the way unemployment rates are calculated and expressed in some countries. Take Greece, where the unemployment statistics cover the age group from 15-74.

That unusually wide age range must make a big difference when comparing unemployment rates and statistics between countries, especially when the school leaving ages vary such a lot.

See my earlier posting

See comparative table of school leaving ages (Wikipedia).

As I am a complete amateur as far as statistical questions are concerned, I can only assume that calculations make allowances for these fundamental differences of School Leaving Age, and State Pension Age.

Whichever way you look at it, the situation in most European countries is grim, especially for young people, but it's important to know if we are comparing like with like. Can anyone enlighten me?

Nick Malkoutzis, Inside Greece, on Fear.

Kathimerini, On the latest Greek unemployment figures

Keep Talking Greece

BBC, brain drain