The economy of Malm� was traditionally based on shipbuilding (Kockums) and construction related industries, such as concrete factories. The region's leading university, along with its associated hi-tech and pharmaceutical industries, is located in Lund about 16 km to the north-east. As a result, Malm� had a troubled economic situation following the mid-1970s. Between 1990-1995, 27,000 jobs were lost, and the budget deficit was more than one billion Swedish krona. In 1995, Malm� had Sweden's highest unemployment rate
However, during the last few years there has been a revival. The main contributing factor has been the economic integration with Denmark brought about by the �resund Bridge. Almost 10% of the population in Malm� works in Copenhagen. Also the university college founded in 1998 and the effects of integration into the European Union have contributed.
In 2004, the rate of wage-earners was 63%, compared to 74% in Stockholm and 71% in Gothenburg. This in turn led to Malm� municipality in 2007 having the 9th lowest median income in Sweden, ranked far below the other larger Swedish cities Stockholm (31st) and Gothenburg (94th).
As of 2005, the largest companies were:
* Skanska � heavy construction: 3,025 employees
* ISS Facility Service AB � hospital service, cleaning, etc.: 1,725 employees
* E.ON Sverige � electricity: 1,025 employees
* Sydsvenskan � newspaper: 1,025 employees
* P�gen � bakery: 975 employees
