Population and population change, Q1 2008

If the population increase continues at the same pace throughout 2008, it will exceed the record increase of 56 000 in 2007. The immigration surplus from abroad in the first quarter, which was 12 400, accounted for 77 per cent of the increase. Immigration totalled 16 900 in the first quarter, 25 per cent higher than in the previous year. In addition to this come people who work in Norway, but stay for less than six months. They are not registered as immigrants, and thus not included in the population. Emigration totalled 4 500, which is a slight decrease from last year but the same level as previous years.

A total of 14 800 children were born, which is the same level as in 2007. 11 000 died, resulting in an excess of births of 3 800.

Polish citizens still largest immigrant group

One in four, or 4 300 of the 16 900 immigrants in the first quarter were Polish citizens. The second largest group were Swedish citizens (1 600), followed by German (1 100) and Lithuanian citizens (800). Those migrating to Norway had 147 different citizenships.

Stavanger reached 120 000 - and Bergen is approaching 250 000

Oslo, Akershus and Rogaland had the highest population growth with 5 200, 2 200 and 2 100 respectively. These three counties represented 58 per cent of the population increase in the country. Only Nordland experienced a population decrease. Around 1 March, Stavanger reached 120 000 inhabitants. If the immigration continues at this level, Bergen will probably reach 250 000 inhabitants in the third quarter.

Highest natural increase in Oslo

As in previous years, there was an excess of births over deaths in all counties except Hedmark, Oppland and Telemark, and now also Nordland. The highest natural increase took place in Oslo, Akershus, Rogaland and Hordaland. The excess of births in these four counties was 2 900 in total and accounted for 78 per cent of the total excess of births in the country.

Migration gain from abroad

As in previous years, all 19 counties had a migration gain from abroad. Oslo, Rogaland and Akershus had the largest gain with 3 400, 1 400 and 1 300 respectively. The migration gain totalled 12 400 and offset the birth deficit and domestic migration loss in many counties.

Twelve counties had a domestic migration loss, whereas seven had a domestic migration gain, the largest in Oslo.

Population increase in 245 municipalities

245 municipalities had a population increase in the first quarter, whereas 170 had a decrease. In the whole of 2007, 245 municipalities had an increase. Apart from the four largest cities, Tromsø had the largest population increase. As in previous years, the population increased in centrally situated municipalities whereas less central areas experienced migration loss and birth deficit. 13 of the 25 municipalities with the largest birth deficits were situated in Hedmark and Oppland.