[Statistically] Nordic nations are characterised by unusually good health [and long life expectancy]. Paradoxically, they are also world leaders in public spending on disability and sickness absence.The author, Nima Sanandaji, goes on to cite a study from the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) that shows that 5% of national income in Norway was spent on unemployment due to disability and sickness in the years, 1990, 2000, and 2005. In Sweden it was 4.4% and 3.2% in Finland. Compared to 0.4% for Japan and Canada, and 1.3% in the USA.
The anomaly extends to Nordic youth too. They have exceptionally high levels of 'retired' 18-29 year olds in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Which allows their country's statisticians to avoid classifying them as 'unemployed'.
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