Dutch province Zeeland records lowest unemployment rate in Europe

Zeeland, a southern province located in the Netherlands, has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, the statistical office of the European Union (EU) Eurostat reported on Tuesday. The Dutch province registered an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, followed by eastern Dutch province Gelderland and the north Italian province Bolzano. Meanwhile, the national average unemployment rate in the Netherlands was estimated at 5.4 percent in 2011. The low level of unemployment was partly a result of nearness of Rotterdam Port, which offers job opportunities to local residents. In addition, the province has a high number of pension holders, leaving a number of unfulfilled vacancies. However, local experts was not optimistic about the figures, saying only a few jobs are needed for young people. "Young people find jobs outside the province; only a minority returns to Zeeland," said Dick Rombout, regional manager of an employment agency UWV.