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3. Number of women in the inactive population grew

From 2009 to 2010, the size of the population of working age grew by 19,000 persons in Finland. In 2010, the size of Finland's population of working age, i.e. aged between 15 and 74, was 4,043,000 persons. The number of persons aged between 55 and 64 showed the largest growth of 14,000. Indeed, persons aged from 55 to 64 form the largest age group in the population of working age (Figure 9).

Although the number of persons of working age increased, the active population decreased by 6,000 persons in 2010. There were 1,372,000 economically inactive persons. The number grew by 25,000 persons, the majority (23,000) of them women. The size of the inactive population increased most in the 25 to 34 age group. The commonest reasons why people in this age group become economically inactive is either to begin studying or caring for own children or some other relative. The size of the inactive population decreased further in the 55 to 64 age group.

Activity rate went up by about one percentage point in the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 age groups. In age groups younger than this the activity rate remained unchanged or fell slightly between 2009 and 2010.

Figure 9. Population of working age and active population by age group in 2010

Source: Labour Force Survey 2010. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Anna Pärnänen (09) 1734 2607, Heidi Melasniemi-Uutela (09) 1734 2523, tyovoimatutkimus@stat.fi

Director in charge: Riitta Harala

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Updated 15.2.2011