At the beginning of 2011, 158 000 persons or 3.2 per cent of the Norwegian population had a refugee background. The two largest groups were persons with a refugee background from Iraq and Somalia.
During 2010, the number of people with a refugee background increased by 6 600. With an increase of 1 700, the Eritrean refugee population had the strongest growth in absolute numbers.
With a total of 20 400 persons, Iraqis make up the largest group. The second largest group consists of persons with a Somali background (18 900).
Male refugees were overrepresented, with around 10 400 more men than women as at 1 January 2011.
A total of 44 per cent of persons with a refugee background were aged 20-39. Only 6 per cent belonged to the age group 60 years or older.
A total of 48 per cent of persons with a refugee background have been residents in Norway for less than 10 years.
Oslo was still the county with the most residents with a refugee background; 42 400 persons. This is 27 per cent of the whole population with a refugee background, and 7 per cent of the city’s total population.
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The definition "person with refugee background" refers to persons resident in Norway who have come to Norway because of flight (family included). Children born in Norway by persons with a refugee background are not included. |
Published 25 August 2011 © Statistics Norway