The economy of Zonguldak has been shaped around coal mining throughout history. The region has the most important coal reserves in Turkey and this has been the economic cornerstone of the city for many years. The mining industry provides both direct employment and creates jobs in downstream sectors. However, the decline in the mining sector and occupational safety issues have increased the need to develop new sectors to promote economic diversification and sustainable development.
In recent years, efforts have increased to develop alternative economic activities in Zonguldak. In this context, investments in the tourism sector and support for small-scale agricultural activities stand out. Offering the natural beauty of the Black Sea to tourists and marketing regional culinary products create new economic opportunities. Fishing also plays an important role in the Zonguldak economy, supplying seafood to regional markets and neighboring provinces.
Education and health services are other important economic sectors of the city. Zonguldak has several higher education institutions and many health institutions, which serve the people of the region in both education and health. In addition to providing quality education and health services to the people of the region, universities and hospitals also contribute to the local economy, providing jobs for many people.
Job opportunities in the city generally vary according to educational level and technical skills. Universities, research centers and the health sector are among the main employment areas for highly educated individuals, while mining, agriculture and service sectors offer job opportunities for the less educated workforce. However, limited investments in technology and innovative sectors may cause the young and dynamic population to move out of the city, affecting the demographic structure of the city.
In summary, Zonguldak's economy continues to be based on the mining sector, as it has been in the past, but it also has the potential to develop in alternative areas such as tourism, agriculture and service sectors. Innovative and diversified economic activities are critical for the long-term development of the city, and steps are being taken in this direction.