The Azorean economy generated 5,204 new jobs in 2008, maintaining the lowest unemployment rate in the country, 5.6%. The national average is 7.8%.

According to the Statistics National Institute (INE), the unemployment figures for the fourth trimester were 6% for Madeira, 8.5% for Lisbon and 10% for Alentejo.

In spite of the increase of unemployment figures in the Azores between the 4th trimester of 2007 and the 4th trimester of 2008, which rose from 4.9% to 5.6%, 5204 new jobs were created. Employment figures rose from 107,259 to 112,463.

According to the INE, the creation of employment in 2008 especially benefited young people, who secured 2,270 new jobs. The number of persons younger than 34 years old that obtained new jobs rose from 45,073 to 47,343.