PHC 2011: the majority of Estonian population are engaged in manufacturing, trade and education

Compared to the previous Population Census, the number of persons employed in service sector has increased by nearly 43,000 persons, but the primary sector (agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing) and industrial sector have both lost over 10,000 workers.

As of 31.12.2011, 561,138 persons employed were enumerated in Estonia. Although the population number has decreased compared to the previous Census, the number of persons employed has increased over 16,000.

As by sectors among residents of Estonia most persons employed are engaged in service sector (372,840), then by economic activities, similarly to the previous Census, manufacturing was holding the first position with regard to the number of employees and their proportion. In 2011, 18% of the total number of persons employed worked in manufacturing, in 2000 – 22%. Of branches of industry, the majority of labour force is used by manufacturing of food products, wood industry and manufacturing of metal products. 55% of persons employed in manufacturing are males and 45% females. The share of the employees of this economic activity is the biggest among inhabitants of Lääne-Viru county.

The youngest age group under observation in the Census (persons aged 15–19) are mostly engaged in trade and accommodation. Elderly people (aged over 60) are mostly working in the field of education and health. Compared to the 2000 Population Census, the share of employees in the field of education and health has slightly increased among persons employed, accounting for 9% and 6%, respectively.

8% of persons employed are engaged in construction activities and 14% in wholesale and retail trade. Compared to the 2000 Census, the share of persons employed has slightly increased in both economic activities. The share of builders in employment is slightly bigger in Järva, Rapla and Saare counties.

Compared to the previous Census, more people are working in the field of information and communication (3% of persons employed) and the share of persons who are engaged in arts, entertainment and recreation activities has also increased (2.5% of persons employed). About 10% of persons employed in rural areas and 1% of persons employed in urban areas work in agriculture. The share of persons engaged in agriculture is the biggest in Jõgeva county.

The most wide-spread occupations are shop-assistant (26,155 persons employed), sales representative (16,236), truck-driver (15,602), general builder (13,112), book-keeper (11,171) and teacher of higher level in general education school (9,857).

Of occupational groups, the number of professionals is the biggest (18%). There are 10% of managers and nearly 6% office clerks. The share of military personnel is the smallest (less than 2%).

For nearly 40% of the whole population in Estonia the main source of subsistence are earnings. 25% of the population were dependants (children, but also other persons mainly maintained by family members). The main source of subsistence for 24% of population is pension and less than 1% is maintained by institutions. The main source of subsistence for 2% of the population is entrepreneurial income and for 4% supports and benefits. In case of 4% of the population the source of income is unknown or it is other income (property income, agricultural holding or loan). Compared to the previous Census, the share of persons living on paid employment and entrepreneurial income has slightly increased.

Persons employed by economic activity, 31.12.2011

The schedule of publication of the results of PHC 2011 is available on the website www.stat.ee/phc2011.

The eleventh Population Census in Estonia was conducted from 31 December 2011 until 31 March 2012. Previous censuses were carried out in 1881, 1897, 1922, 1934, 1941, 1959, 1970, 1979, 1989 and 2000. The next Population Census in Estonia will be conducted in 2020/2021.