The number of unemployed aged 15 and over increased from 2.274 million in 2013 to 2.853 million in 2014, while the unemployment rate was 9.9 percent in 2014, according to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) on Friday.The unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in 2014 according to the government's medium-term economic program that was announced in October. The government is also aiming for a decrease to 9.1 percent in 2017.The unemployment rate was 9.7 percent in 2013, however TÜİK announced that labor force statistics had changed to ensure full compliance with European Union standards in February 2014. This change has led to a differentiation from the previous series of obtained indicators and eliminated comparability.Science, Industry and Technology Minister Fikri Işık said there are two main reasons for the high unemployment rate – exports and labor participation rate. He defined the decrease in exports as a negative effect on employment and as a the result of regional issues. HA higher labor participation rate is considered a positive sign for the economy, however, it raises the unemployment rate at the same time.In 2014 the unemployment rate was 9 percent for males and 11.9 percent for females. Non-agricultural unemployment rate was 12 percent in the same period. While the youth unemployment rate, including those 15 to 24 years of age, was 17.9 percent, the unemployment rate for those 15 to 64 years of age was 10.1 percent.Total employment created was 45.5 percent in 2014, 64.8 percent for males and 26.7 percent for females. The labor force participation rate was 50.5 percent.