Everyone Has Internet in These 12 OECD Countries

In a technologically connected world, some countries are emerging at the head of the pack, new research from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development finds.

That matters economically because broader access means there's greater opportunity for work, shopping and entertainment to shift to digital platforms. The fresh data leads our economic research wrap, which is entirely focused on opportunity this week: whether it's in education, the labor market or business.

Check back every Tuesday for our latest summary of new and interesting studies.

About 95 percent of the population had access to high-speed internet in OECD countries in 2016, a recent report from the Paris-based organization shows. Twelve countries now have 100 percent penetration, up from nine a year ago. Machine-to-machine communications (think smart cars) are also becoming more widespread, and Sweden, New Zealand, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands are the leaders in that technology.