The concepts described on these pages are words and expressions used in statistics with a specific, limited meaning. In everyday speech the word may have a different meaning. In connection with each definition you can find information about which sets of statistics use the concept.

If you are looking for statistical figures, go from the definition to the statistics page.

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate is calculated as the ratio of unemployed persons to the active population (labour force) of the same age, i.e. employed and unemployed persons.



Statistics using the definition

Validity of the definition

  • Valid

The unemployment rate is the ratio of the unemployed to the active population (labour force) of the same age, i.e. employed and unemployed persons. The unemployment rate of the total population is calculated as the ratio of 15 to 74-year-old unemployed persons to the active population (labour force) of the same age.



Statistics using the definition

Validity of the definition

  • 1 January 1959 - 31 January 2023

Source organisation

  • Tilastokeskus

Source organisation

  • Tilastokeskus

The ratio of unemployed persons to the labour force of the same age, i.e. employed and unemployed persons. In the employment statistics, the unemployment rate is calculated from the population aged 18 to 64.



Statistics using the definition

Validity of the definition

  • Valid

Source organisation

  • Tilastokeskus

Jaa