The labor force stood at 251,000 at the end of the third quarter in Macao, a region with a population of nearly 470,000, according to official statistics issued here on Monday.

The figures from the government-run Statistics and Census Service (SCS) showed that among the total labor force, 241,000 were employed while 10,000 unemployed in the quarter.

The employed population and unemployed population increased 9,000 and 300 respectively, compared with the same period in 2004, the figures showed. Within the employed population, 52.3 percent are male.

The average working hours per week stood at 47.5 hours and the average monthly earnings 5,843 patacas (US$730), said the figures.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2005)