Population and population change, Q2 2012

The population increase has been high since around 2006 as a result of the large immigration surplus from abroad, which has made up an ever increasing share of Norway’s population growth. The birth surplus was reduced by 550 during the 2nd quarter compared to the corresponding quarter one year earlier.

A total of 15 600 persons migrated to Norway during the 2nd quarter and 6 400 left the country. These figures are 750 and 150 lower than last year respectively. This resulted in an immigration surplus of 9 200, compared to 9 800 last year.

The first half of 2012 has seen a population growth of 31 600, which is 1 000 lower than the first half of 2011, but which nevertheless is the third highest ever.

The counties Oslo and Rogaland had the highest birth surplus

Oslo had the highest birth surplus during the 2nd quarter of all the counties, with 2 600 births giving a total of 1 600 more births than deaths. In relation to the population, this birth surplus of 2.6 per 1 000 inhabitants was the highest of all Norway’s counties. Rogaland with 1.9 was second highest. All counties except for Hedmark, Oppland and Telemark had a birth surplus.

Large immigration of Polish and Lithuanian citizens

A total of 2 400 Polish and 1 600 Lithuanian citizens migrated to Norway during the 2nd quarter, and 400 and 130 left respectively. Other groups of foreign citizens with a large net immigration were Somali (750) and Eritrean (400) citizens.

Compared to the 2nd quarter last year, Icelandic and Estonian citizens no longer are among the 10 nationals with the largest net immigration, while Rumanian and Spanish citizens are newcomers to the list.

With regard to the counties, Rogaland had the largest net immigration from abroad, with 1 200. All counties had a net immigration. During the first half of 2012 there was a total net immigration of 22 900, which constituted 72 per cent of the total population growth.

Largest domestic net migration gain in Akershus and Østfold - largest loss in Oslo

Akershus had a domestic migration gain of 1 200 and Østfold reached 600, whereas Oslo had the largest domestic migration loss (1 350). Of all the counties, only Oslo had a total migration loss when including domestic migration and migration from and to abroad.

Tables

Table 1 The 10 municipalities with largest and least migration gain. 2nd quarter 2011

Table 2 10 municipalities with largest and lowest excess of births and population growth. 2nd quarter 2011