Population and population change, Q1 2011

The population increase in the first quarter was 2 000 higher than last year. If the increase continues at the same level as in 2010, the population will reach five million in April, but should the rate of increase seen in the first quarter continue throughout the rest of 2011, it could happen as early as February. April, though, is the most probable month.

The immigration surplus from abroad made up four fifths of the population increase

Immigration totalled 22 300 in the first quarter; 3 200 more than last year, and the highest number ever recorded in a first quarter. A total of 8 900 persons emigrated, and this was also the highest number ever recorded. Thus, the resulting net migration of 13 400 was the highest ever. During the 1990-2007 period it varied from 100 to 7 500.

A total of 14 400 children were born, reaching the same level as the years since 1988. A total of 10 800 died, and with the exception of 2006, this was the lowest number of any first quarter since 1984. Although the resulting birth surplus of 3 500 was lower than last year, it was still higher than the average for the period from 1988.

Increase from Poland, Lithuania and Sweden

Of immigrants having other citizenship than Norwegian, almost eight out of ten had a European citizenship. Almost half of these; 7 300, came from Poland or the Baltic countries. Immigration from Poland and Lithuania increased, whereas the number of Latvians decreased and Estonians remained at the same level. Since the emigration of Polish citizens dropped, their net in migration increased from 1 900 to 3 050.

The number of Swedish citizens arriving increased the most and reached 4 000; up 1 500 from last year. The number this year was particularly high, partly because some 1 000 more Swedes were registered in January this year compared to last year in connection with changed routines for receipt of tax cards.

Citizens of countries where flight is an important reason for emigration are registered as immigrants when they receive their residency permit. The number of refugees arriving is therefore not directly comparable to the number of immigrants. Immigration among Eritrean citizens almost doubled and reached 700. Immigration among Somali citizens decreased, but remained stable among Afghan citizens, each of these reaching 300.

Population increase in all counties, but to a varying degree

Two counties - Oslo and Akershus - had a combined population increase of 8 100; almost half the total growth of Norway. Rogaland and Hordaland had a combined growth of 3 000, down 1 400 from last year. The two counties Telemark and Finnmark had the smallest growth, with 100 each.

Highest natural increase in Oslo

Oslo also stood out as regards excess of births over deaths in the first quarter of 2011, which reached 1 300; more than a third of the total excess of births in the country. Five counties had a deficit of births over deaths. Fifteen of the 19 counties saw poorer net figures than last year.

Migration gain from abroad in all counties

All counties had a migration gain from abroad. The two counties Oslo and Akershus had a total gain of 5 100, up 2 000 from last year. In Rogaland and Hordaland the combined gain was 1 900, down 1 000 from 2010. The migration gain totalled 13 400 and offset the birth deficit and domestic migration loss in many counties.

Thirteen counties had a domestic migration loss, whereas six had a domestic migration gain, the largest of which were in Oslo and Akershus. These two counties had a gain of 900 and 300 respectively, whereas the remaining four counties had a combined gain of 250.

Population increase in 269 municipalities

A total of 269 of the 430 municipalities had a population increase in the first quarter, whereas 149 had a decrease and 12 saw no change. As in previous years, the population increased in centrally situated municipalities whereas less central areas experienced migration loss and birth deficit. Half of the 20 municipalities with the largest birth surplus were situated in Rogaland and Hordaland.