Photo: Joonas Lyytinen · CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Finland: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
Finland is placed 82nd of 182 countries on work & labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Employment-to-Population Ratio 54.03 (2025); Labour Income Share 54.08 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
82nd
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Finland on work & labour — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 1 of 4
Employment-to-Population Ratio
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
54.03
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
Finland: 54.03. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 21.21 (São Tomé and Príncipe) to 86.9 (Qatar); the world median is 57.72.
- World median
- 57.72
- Best in Northern Europe
- 72.21 Iceland
- Land neighbours
- Norway 62.56 · Russia 59.81 · Sweden 58.98
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
9.461
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
Finland: 9.461. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.13 (Qatar) to 34.2 (Eswatini); the world median is 5.084.
- World median
- 5.084
- Best in Northern Europe
- 3.625 Iceland
- Land neighbours
- Norway 4.637 · Russia 2.133 · Sweden 8.694
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
9.462
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
Finland: 9.462. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.456 (Qatar) to 90.22 (Chad); the world median is 28.67.
- World median
- 28.67
- Best in Northern Europe
- 4.166 Norway
- Land neighbours
- Norway 4.166 · Russia 4.931 · Sweden 6.874
02Over time
Which way Finland is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Employment-to-Population Ratio
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%) · higher is better
FinlandWorld median
Finland fell from 54.57 in 2000 to 54.03 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year Finland World median 2025 54.035 57.720 2024 54.826 57.694 2023 55.966 58.158 2022 56.362 57.688 2021 55.216 56.066 2020 54.282 55.691 2019 55.221 57.871 2018 54.944 56.911 2017 53.598 56.738 2016 53.383 56.845 2015 53.253 56.788 2014 53.650 56.774 2013 54.269 56.229 2012 55.006 56.289 2011 55.166 56.297 2010 54.702 56.212 2009 55.403 56.255 2008 57.514 57.308 2007 56.933 56.933 2006 56.712 56.685 2005 56.236 56.129 2004 55.438 55.465 2003 55.630 55.630 2002 55.664 55.843 2001 55.548 56.018 2000 54.570 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
FinlandWorld median
Finland fell from 54.4 in 2004 to 54.08 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year Finland World median 2025 54.08 46.230 2024 53.99 46.060 2023 55.00 45.900 2022 54.37 45.615 2021 55.50 45.433 2020 54.16 47.267 2019 54.62 46.277 2018 54.50 46.187 2017 54.24 46.467 2016 56.17 46.798 2015 57.78 46.876 2014 56.70 47.281 2013 58.37 46.887 2012 58.32 46.231 2011 58.42 45.679 2010 59.21 46.024 2009 59.64 47.071 2008 55.70 45.312 2007 55.32 45.246 2006 56.57 45.670 2005 55.02 46.265 2004 54.40 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
FinlandWorld median
Finland fell from 11.13 in 2000 to 9.461 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year Finland World median 2025 9.46 5.08 2024 8.40 5.15 2023 7.15 5.21 2022 6.72 5.34 2021 7.62 6.04 2020 7.76 6.38 2019 6.70 5.36 2018 7.36 5.35 2017 8.64 5.59 2016 8.82 5.90 2015 9.38 6.41 2014 8.66 6.58 2013 8.19 6.71 2012 7.69 6.79 2011 7.78 6.90 2010 8.39 7.04 2009 8.25 6.67 2008 6.37 5.79 2007 6.85 6.00 2006 8.94 6.50 2005 9.60 7.09 2004 10.36 6.80 2003 10.47 6.95 2002 10.42 6.91 2001 10.29 6.96 2000 11.13 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
FinlandWorld median
Finland fell from 10.67 in 2000 to 9.462 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year Finland World median 2025 9.4622 28.67 2024 9.4593 29.04 2023 9.7607 29.33 2022 10.3059 29.67 2021 10.5448 30.01 2020 10.2844 30.54 2019 9.9810 29.98 2018 9.8301 30.15 2017 9.9445 29.93 2016 10.5574 29.91 2015 10.9832 30.26 2014 9.9925 30.47 2013 10.3590 31.14 2012 10.0853 31.00 2011 9.9593 31.41 2010 10.6141 32.37 2009 10.2363 32.59 2008 9.2724 31.76 2007 9.8690 33.47 2006 9.9719 34.27 2005 9.5556 34.66 2004 9.5561 35.51 2003 9.8242 35.90 2002 9.9658 35.96 2001 10.1443 35.27 2000 10.6676 35.67
03In context
Finland beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 182 countries on work & labour, never a place within the region.
Finland and the countries it borders
Standing among all 182; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Employment-to-Population RatioEmployed share of the population aged 15+ (%) | Labour Income ShareLabour income share of GDP (%) | Unemployment RateUnemployment (% of labour force) | Vulnerable EmploymentVulnerable employment (% of total employment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Russia | 13th | 59.81 | 48.31 | 2.133 | 4.931 |
 Norway | =31st | 62.56 | 45.93 | 4.637 | 4.166 |
 Sweden | 51st | 58.98 | 53.69 | 8.694 | 6.874 |
| Finland | 82nd | 54.03 | 54.08 | 9.461 | 9.462 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Northern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 182.
Placed either side on work & labour
The countries immediately above and below Finland in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Finland is ahead of the world, and behind
31 more statistics filed under work & labour, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median18
Statistics on which Finland does better than the middle country measured.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 01000No earlier reading
Finland: 100 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Informal Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 36.761.5436.76No earlier reading
Finland: 1.54 · world median 36.76 · Informal employment (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.857 to 94.44; lower is better.
Position 95th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6858.8316.68No earlier reading
Finland: 58.83 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.
Position 5th of 139 · derived.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.6101.61No real change since 2015
Finland: 0 · world median 1.61 · Compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights (0 = best, 10 = worst). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 10; lower is better.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,74257,2676,742▲ Improved since 2015
Finland: 57,267 · world median 6,742 · Agricultural value added per worker (constant 2015 US$). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 210.77 to 150,632; higher is better.
Position 10th of 151 · derived.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.1680.4622.16No real change since 2015
Finland: 80.46 · world median 22.16 · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.92 to 164.65; higher is better.
Position 15th of 182 · derived.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6366,2531,636▼ Worsened since 2014
Finland: 6,253 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 7th of 75 · derived.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8114.4641.81No earlier reading
Finland: 14.46 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 163rd of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gini Index of Monthly EarningsILO · 2024 · world median 0.3370.2560.337▲ Improved since 2014
Finland: 0.256 · world median 0.337 · Gini index of employees’ monthly earnings (0 = all paid the same, 1 = maximum inequality). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.182 to 0.643; lower is better.
Position 67th of 75 · derived, 1st = worst.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,384120,40047,384No real change since 2015
Finland: 120,400 · world median 47,384 · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2,456 to 262,554; higher is better.
Position 22nd of 168 · derived.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,230265,40225,230No real change since 2010
Finland: 265,402 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 21st of 151 · derived.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5751.260.575No earlier reading
Finland: 1.26 · world median 0.575 · Labour inspectors per 10,000 employed persons. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 3.89; higher is better.
Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · world median 2.0051.0282.005▼ Worsened since 2013
Finland: 1.028 · world median 2.005 · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.12 to 8.409; lower is better.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.318.27914.31No real change since 2014
Finland: 8.279 · world median 14.31 · Youth not in education, employment or training (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.975 to 65.73; lower is better.
Position 80th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0746.7932.07No earlier reading
Finland: 46.79 · world median 32.07 · Firms offering formal training to permanent full-time workers (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.42 to 79.12; higher is better.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.980.445.9No earlier reading
Finland: 80.4 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · world median 35.8639.2335.86▲ Improved since 2014
Finland: 39.23 · world median 35.86 · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 7.226 to 56.69; higher is better.
Position 27th of 86 · derived.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3656.4953.36No real change since 2015
Finland: 56.49 · world median 53.36 · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 4.663 to 82.91; higher is better.
Position 72nd of 182 · derived.
Behind the world median6
Statistics on which Finland does worse than the middle country measured.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6659.6861.66▲ Improved since 2015
Finland: 59.68 · world median 61.66 · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.34 to 87.01; higher is better.
Position 105th of 182 · derived.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1615.7519.16No earlier reading
Finland: 15.75 · world median 19.16 · Firms with a female top manager (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.429 to 62.9; higher is better.
Position 115th of 179 · derived.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8321.4812.83▼ Worsened since 2015
Finland: 21.48 · world median 12.83 · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.457 to 76.77; lower is better.
Position 40th of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 303▼ Worsened since 2015
Finland: 0 · world median 3 · Paid paternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 196; higher is better.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.5620.0612.56▼ Worsened since 2014
Finland: 20.06 · world median 12.56 · Composite rate of labour underutilisation, LU4 (% of the extended labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.495 to 49.82; lower is better.
Position 15th of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 985698▼ Worsened since 2015
Finland: 56 · world median 98 · Paid maternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 410; higher is better.
No better end7
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0127.8215.01No earlier reading
Finland: 27.82 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 23rd of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5175.6759.51No real change since 2015
Finland: 75.67 · world median 59.51 · Employment in services (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.56 to 92.17.
Position 35th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8820.8418.88Moved since 2015
Finland: 20.84 · world median 18.88 · Employment in industry (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.103 to 39.44.
Position 70th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.4516.0413.45Moved since 2014
Finland: 16.04 · world median 13.45 · Employees on temporary contracts (% of employees). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.337 to 72.78.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.383.49314.38No real change since 2015
Finland: 3.493 · world median 14.38 · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.095 to 85.34.
Position 139th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8412.5431.84No real change since 2015
Finland: 12.54 · world median 31.84 · Self-employed (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.832 to 91.56.
Position 154th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.8929.138.89No real change since 2015
Finland: 29.1 · world median 38.89 · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.64 to 54.7.
Position 176th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Finland
Low Pay Rate (last 2023), Statutory Minimum Wage and Working Poverty Rate. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Work & Labour among Finland’s 16 topics
Work & Labour is Finland’s 16th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Democracy & Civil Liberties4th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions5th of 1944/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience5th of 1934/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation5th of 1764/4 keys
- Energy13th of 1653/3 keys
- Development & Human Capitaljoint 16th of 1963/3 keys
- Digital & Technology17th of 1984/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing18th of 2004/4 keys
- Gender & Equality17th of 1834/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality16th of 1593/3 keys
- Education & Knowledgejoint 31st of 1983/4 keys
- Mobility & Tradejoint 30th of 1774/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture44th of 1844/4 keys
- Peace & Security45th of 1774/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 61st of 1863/4 keys
- Work & Labour82nd of 1824/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders Finland can most readily be measured against.
1
IcelandNorthern Europe
1st of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
South KoreaEastern Asia
3rd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Europe
Iceland1st4/4 keysThis page
Finland82nd4/4 keys
Positions out of 182 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Finland and work & labour
On work & labour
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Highest Average Salaries in 2024
The ten highest-paying countries of 2024, their bars coloured by continent, and six more added for comparison — from Australia in 13th place to India in 85th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Lowest Average Salaries in 2024
The bottom ten of 196 countries, and six more added for comparison. Niger, Madagascar and Liberia are all published at US$47 a month and still carry three different ranks.
08Questions
Finland on work & labour: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Finland rank on work & labour?
Finland is placed 82nd of 182 countries on Work & Labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Employment-to-Population Ratio, Labour Income Share, Unemployment Rate and Vulnerable Employment). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Employment-to-Population Ratio figure for Finland?
54.03 in 2025 (employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 57.72.
What is the latest Labour Income Share figure for Finland?
54.08 in 2025 (labour income share of GDP (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 46.23.
How does Finland compare with Russia on work & labour?
Russia is placed 13th of 182, and Finland 82nd. Employment-to-Population Ratio: Russia 59.81, Finland 54.03; Labour Income Share: Russia 48.31, Finland 54.08; Unemployment Rate: Russia 2.133, Finland 9.461; Vulnerable Employment: Russia 4.931, Finland 9.462.
How have Finland’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio fell from 54.57 in 2000 to 54.03 in 2025; Labour Income Share fell from 54.4 in 2004 to 54.08 in 2025; Unemployment Rate fell from 11.13 in 2000 to 9.461 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment fell from 10.67 in 2000 to 9.462 in 2025.
Which work & labour statistics are missing for Finland?
No current reading is published for Finland on Low Pay Rate, Statutory Minimum Wage and Working Poverty Rate. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Wages in money terms are not a key here, because pay figures are hard to compare fairly across countries with very different prices. Labour productivity, working hours, youth unemployment and the balance between farming, industry and services are published on this page as context. The size and growth of the wider economy belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Work & Labour standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The work & labour method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Employment-to-Population Ratio — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Labour Income Share — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Unemployment Rate — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Vulnerable Employment — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
The other 31 statistics on this page come from 2 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Finland’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Finland (banner) — Joonas Lyytinen, CC BY-SA 2.5
- Iceland — Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- South Korea — Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Finland: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/finland/work