Persons with refugee background, 1 January 2011

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).

Most youngsters and most men

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.

Most in Oslo

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.

Tables:

• Table 1 Different definitions of persons with refugee status, by country background and specified status. 1 January 2011
• Table 2 Persons with refugee background, by citizenship, duration of residence and country background. 1 January 2011
• Table 3 Persons with refugee background, by age and country background. 1 January 2011
• Table 4 Persons with refugee background, by citizenship, sex and country background. 1 January 2011
• Table 5 Persons with refugee background, by refugee status and county. 1 January 2011