Economy of Stockholm

Vast majority of Stockholm residents work in the service industry, which accounts for roughly 85% of jobs in Stockholm. The almost total absence of heavy industry makes Stockholm one of the world's cleanest metropolises. The last decade has seen a significant number of jobs created in high technology companies. Large employers include IBM, Ericsson, and Electrolux. A major IT centre is located in Kista, in northern Stockholm.

Stockholm is Sweden's financial centre. Major Swedish banks, such as Swedbank, Handelsbanken, and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, are headquartered in Stockholm, as are the major insurance companies Skandia and Trygg-Hansa. Stockholm is also home to Sweden's foremost stock exchange, the Stockholm Stock Exchange (Stockholmsbörsen). Additionally, about 45% of Swedish companies with more than 200 employees are headquartered in Stockholm. Famous clothes retailer H&M is also headquartered in the city. In recent years, tourism has played an important part in the city's economy. Between 1991–2004, annual overnight stays increased from 4 to 7.7 million.

The largest companies by number of employees:

Ericsson – 8,430

Posten AB (national postal service) – 4,710

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) – 4,240

Swedbank – 3,610

Södersjukhuset (Southern Hospital) – 3,610

MTR Stockholm (Stockholm Subway operator) – 3,000

Nordea – 2,820

Handelsbanken – 2,800

IBM Svenska – 2,640

Capgemini – 2,500

Securitas AB – 2,360

Connex – 2,300

ISS Facility Services – 2,000

Sveriges Television (public television) – 1,880

Sodexho – 1,580