Finland Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Finland's labor force participation was 59.68% in 2025, ranked 104th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Finland's labor force participation stood at 59.68% in 2025, a decline of +0.17pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 59.78% by 2026. Finland ranked 104th globally.
Finland’s labor force participation rate has slipped from its all‑time peak of 64.74 % in 1990 to a trough of 58.55 % in 2016, before modestly recovering to 59.68 % in 2025, placing the country 104th globally. The 6.09‑percentage‑point decline over the 36‑year span reflects demographic ageing, a rise in early‑retirement schemes, and a persistent gender gap in labor market attachment, despite strong social protections. Compared with peer nations, Finland’s 2025 rate is almost identical to Mongolia’s 59.69 % and slightly above Guatemala’s 59.62 %, yet it trails Austria’s 60.12 % and lags behind many advanced economies. The recent improvement suggests that policy measures aimed at extending working lives and enhancing part‑time employment options are beginning to offset the downward pressure. Continued reforms to increase flexible work arrangements and incentivise higher participation among older workers could further reverse the long‑term decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 59.63% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 59.70% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 59.78% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.68% | −0.17pp | #104 |
| 2024 | 59.85% | −0.42pp | #105 |
| 2023 | 60.28% | −0.15pp | #106 |
| 2022 | 60.42% | +0.65pp | #101 |
| 2021 | 59.77% | +0.92pp | #103 |
| 2020 | 58.85% | −0.34pp | #104 |
| 2019 | 59.18% | −0.13pp | #113 |
| 2018 | 59.31% | +0.64pp | #108 |
| 2017 | 58.67% | +0.12pp | #120 |
| 2016 | 58.55% | −0.22pp | #118 |
| 2015 | 58.76% | +0.02pp | #117 |
| 2014 | 58.74% | −0.37pp | #120 |
| 2013 | 59.11% | −0.48pp | #117 |
| 2012 | 59.59% | −0.23pp | #109 |
| 2011 | 59.82% | +0.11pp | #105 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Finland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Finland's labor force participation was 59.68% in 2025. Ranked 104th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Finland's labor force participation peaked at 64.74% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Finland was 58.55% in 2016.
Finland ranks 104th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Finland's labor force participation is projected to reach 59.78% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Finland in 2025 was 59.68%. This ranks 104th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_finland_labor-force-participation,
title = {Finland Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/finland/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}