Kastamonu's economy is based primarily on agriculture, forestry and the tourism sector, which has been developing in recent years. Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of the provincial economy and especially cereals, legumes, potatoes and vegetables are widely grown. Kastamonu is also one of the important garlic production centers of Turkey. Agricultural activities throughout the province are organized as small family businesses, which provide an important source of employment for the local economy.
Forestry also plays an important role in Kastamonu's economy. The province is one of the richest provinces in Turkey in terms of forest cover and this contributes to the economy in terms of both timber and other forest products. Especially furniture manufacturing has become one of the important industrial branches of Kastamonu. Many workshops and small-scale factories operate for the labor force to work in this sector.
Tourism is another sector that has accelerated Kastamonu's economy in recent years. The province attracts local and foreign tourists with its historical buildings, natural beauties and cultural activities. The increasing number of tourists in the spring and summer months increases the demand for accommodation, food and beverage services and local handicrafts, which creates economic opportunities for small businesses in the region. In addition, Kastamonu's festivals and cultural events are important elements that support the tourism sector.
Although employment opportunities in Kastamonu are generally limited to the sectors mentioned above, there are also job opportunities in the education and health services sectors. Schools, hospitals and other public institutions in the city and district centers are important institutions that provide employment to local people. However, the majority of Kastamonu's economic activity is carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises and career opportunities for young people may be limited. This situation increases the tendency to migrate to larger cities, especially among young people with higher education.
In conclusion, Kastamonu's economy is based on traditional sectors, which offer a variety of employment opportunities for the local population. However, the development of sectors that offer more career opportunities for the young population and especially for highly educated individuals can further increase the economic potential of the province.