Question

In the small country of Economerica, there are 6 thousand people employed, 1 thousand people unemployed, and 3 thousand people of working age not included in the labor force. One thousand students graduate from the university and seek jobs in the country, but not one graduate is able to find one. Half of the new graduates believe there is no chance of finding a job and return home to live with their parents. Ceteris Paribus, what would the new unemployment rate be in Economerica?
A. 14.29%
B. 20.00%
C. 25.00%
D. 45.45%

Answer 1

Answer: B. 20.00%

Explanation:

Unemployment rate does not include those who have given up on finding a job.

Unemployment rate = Unemployed people / Labor force

Unemployed people:

= Original unemployed + half the new graduates

= 1,000 + (1,000 / 2)

= 1,500 people

Labor force:

= Unemployed + employed people

= 1,500 + 6,000

= 7,500 people

Unemployment rate:

= 1,500 / 7,500

= 20%