The Helsinki metropolitan area generates approximately
one third of the Finnish GDP. GDP per capita is roughly
1.5 times the national average, making Helsinki one
of the wealthiest capitals in Europe. In 2004, the local
economy grew by 3.2%.
Since the 1950s, the economy has become largely service-based,
although industries such as shipbuilding continue to
employ a substantial number of people. Large service-based
employers include the public sector and the information
technology sector.
The metropolitan area is the location of choice for
the headquarters of large Finnish companies as well
as the regional headquarters of international companies.
This is primarily due to good transport infrastructure,
both international and national as well as the availability
of skilled labour.
