Population and population change, Q4 2007

The relative population increase was 1.2 per cent in 2007, the highest increase since 1946. Since 1900, the relative increase has only been higher in 1917, 1920 and 1946.

Immigration totalled 61 200 in 2007, the highest figure ever recorded and 35 per cent higher than in the previous year. Emigration totalled 22 100, the same level as in 2006. 58 500 were born and 42 000 died in 2007.

Poles still largest group of immigrants

Compared to 2006, immigration and emigration rose by 16 000 and 100 respectively in 2007, resulting in an increase in the migration surplus of 15 900 to 39 700. Polish citizens contributed most to the surplus with 12 900 more immigrations than emigrations last year. They were followed by Germans, Swedes, Lithuanians, Somalis, Filipinos, Russians and Thai, each contributing with between 3 100 and 1 000 more immigrations than emigrations. In total, 14 200 Polish citizens migrated to Norway last year, compared to 600 in 2003. Those who migrated to or from Norway in 2007 had 168 different citizenships.

Immigrations totalled 61 800 last year, the highest figure ever recorded. In 2006, the figure was 45 800, in 2005 40 200. In addition to this come those who work in Norway, but stay here for less than six months. They are not registered as immigrants, and thus not included in the population.

16 500 more births than deaths

Last year, 58 500 children were born in Norway and 42 000 persons died. The number of children born in 2007 and 2006 were both the highest since 2000.

Highest natural increase in Oslo

As in 2006, there was an excess of births over deaths in all counties except Hedmark, Oppland and Telemark. The highest natural increase took place in Oslo, with 4 900 more births than deaths.

Oslo, Akershus and Rogaland had the highest population increase in 2007, with 52 per cent of the total national increase. 22.8 per cent of Norway’s population now live in Oslo and Akershus, while 18.5 per cent live in Rogaland and Hordaland.

Migration gain from abroad

As in previous years, all 19 counties had a migration gain from abroad. Oslo and Akershus had the largest gain with 6 900 and 5 200 respectively. The migration gain totalled 39 700 and offset the birth deficit and domestic migration loss in many counties.

Population increase in 259 municipalities

259 municipalities had a population increase in 2007, whereas 168 had a decrease. In 2006, 194 municipalities had an increase. Of the 28 municipalities with a decrease of 2 per cent or more, 17 were situated in Northern Norway. As in previous years, centrally situated municipalities had a population increase, whereas less central areas had a migration loss and a birth deficit.