As the capital of Finland, and its largest city, Helsinki generates about 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.
The local 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.
With an excellent transport infrastructure and a good labour pool, the metropolitan area is the location of choice for the headquarters of large Finnish companies as well as the regional headquarters of international companies.
