Finland records second-highest GDP growth but worst unemployment in OECD

Finland’s economy grew by 0.9 percent in the first quarter of 2026, the second-highest rate among OECD nations, according to figures released Thursday by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Only South Korea outperformed Finland, with GDP growth of 1.7 percent. The average growth across OECD member states stood at 0.4 percent for the same period.

Despite the relative economic strength, Finland’s unemployment rate remained the highest in the OECD at 10.5 percent in March. Spain followed with 10.3 percent, while the OECD average was 5 percent.