Migrations, 2002

Only in 2000 and 2001 the internal migration in absolute numbers were higher than in 2002. But inn order to compare migration over time, it is necessary to study the geographical mobility - migration measured in relation to the population. Approximately 4.3 per cent of the population moved from one municipality to another in 2002. The mobility was higher from 1997 to 2001, and in most years previous to 1989.

After World War II and until 2002 the mobility has been slightly decreasing, but variations due to the economic low and high cycles have occured. During times with a low economic cycle and high unemployment, as in the early 1990s, fewer people move.

112,450 persons, 2.0 per cent of the population, moved between counties in 2002 - a decrease of 6,000 from 2001. The corresponding figure for movements among regions was 1.1 per cent. The proportion of people moving among counties and regions was lower only in the economical down cycle at the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s. The decrease in 2002 may also be seen in relation to increased unemployment and a low business cycle.

High internal net migration to the areas around Oslo

In 2002, as in previous years, the highest internal net in-migration occurred in the counties around the Oslo fiord. Akershus had the highest internal net in-migration, 2,340 persons, followed by Østfold, 1, 950 and Vestfold, 1,000. Oslo experienced an internal net migration loss of 1,420 persons and had internal net in-migration from all the other counties than those mentioned above. The internal net out-migration from Oslo may not be connected to any kind of decentralization.

The migration pattern for 2002 shows a centralization that has found place for the past years. Especially the counties around the Oslo fiord have had an internal net in-migration due to the possibilities for employment. During the past years there has been an increasing pressure in the housing market and changing opportunities for housing in Oslo. As a result, more people have moved to the counties close to Oslo rather than into the city. The internal net in-migration was also high in Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.

Most women aged 20-24 move

In 2002 4.3 per cent of the men and 4.2 per cent of the women moved between two municipalities. Until 1988 the mobility was higher for women than for men, and since then it has been higher for men. According to the population, most women aged 20-24 moved by 134 per 1, 000. The men moved more frequently between 25-29 years by 121 pr. 1,000. Only in the age groups 15-19 and 20-24 years a lot more women than men moved.

High increase in immigration from abroad

In 2002 there was a net migration from abroad by more than 17,000. Only in 1999 the figure was higher. The high net figure was mainly caused by an increase in the number of immigrations, 40,100, as well as a decrease in the number of emigrations, 22,500, compared with the development during the past years.

Since 1972 the number of immigrations has increased and with the exception of 1989 Norway has had net immigration. It is important to note that the number of immigrations varies slightly from one year to another due to variations in immigration policies, as well as changing needs for immigration and protection in Norway. Looking at emigration, variations from one year to another are less than for immigration, and it is mostly determined by the economic cycles in Norway. As for immigration, the number of emigrations has also decreased since 1972, but at a slower pace.

Highest immigration from abroad to Oslo

All counties had net immigration from abroad and Oslo the most. While Oslo had an internal net out-migration of more than 1, 400, the capital had a net immigration from abroad of 3,600 persons, 20 per cent of the net immigration. When we take the immigration from abroad into account, Oslo had a total net migration of 2,200 persons.

High increase in the number of Somalis and Iraqis

Net immigration of foreign citizens to Norway was highest from Iraq, with 2,400 persons, more than twice as many compared with 2001. It is important to note that figures for immigration are referring to the year a resident was granted a permit. There was also a high net immigration of Somalis, 2,000, and this was also a large increase compared with 2001. Other groups with a high net immigration were Russians, 1,200, Afghanis, 1,100 and Thais, 900 persons. These figures show two different kinds of immigration: Iraqis, Afghanis and Somalis arrive from conflict areas, and most of them are refugees. Among Russians and Thais there are many women who come to Norway because of family reunion.

Highest net emigration of Norwegians to Sweden

10, 680 Norwegian citizens emigrated from Norway, while 9,330 immigrated. This is a small decrease in the number of emigrations and a small increase in the number of immigrations compared with the last two years. The highest net emigration of Norwegian citizens went to Sweden, 1,780. There has been a net migration loss from Norway to Sweden since 1999. Also Denmark and Spain had a relative large net immigration of Norwegian citizens, 450 and 410 respectively. The number of emigrations to Spain decreased considerably compared with the figures from 2000 and 2001.

Tables:

• Table 1 Internal migration. 1951-2002
• Table 2 Immigration and emigration. 1951-2002
• Table 3 All migration. Internal and immigration/emigration, by county. 1966-2002
• Table 4 Internal migration. County. 1966-2002
• Table 5 Immigration/emigration, by county. 1966-2002
• Table 6 Immigration, by country. 1966-2002
• Table 7 Emigration, by country. 1966-2002
• Table 8 Migration within and between counties and between counties and foreign countries. 2002
• Table 9 Net migration between counties. 2002
• Table 10 Migration within and between regions. 2002
• Table 11 Net migration between regions. 2002
• Table 12 Internal migration, by sex and age of migrants, and age-specific rates for males and females. 2002
• Table 13 Internal migration, immigration and emigration, by sex, age of migrants and county. 2002
• Table 14 Internal migration, by sex, marital status and 5-year age groups. 2002
• Table 15 Immigration and emigration, by sex, age and marital status of migrants. 2002
• Table 16 Immigration and emigration, by sex and age of migrants. 2002
• Table 17 Immigration and emigration, by Norwegian/foreign citizenship and country of immigration/emigration. 2002
• Table 18 Immigration and emigration, by citizenship, 2002
• Table 19 Migration to/from municipalities and counties. 2002
• Table 20 Internal migration. In-migration, out-migration and net migration. Economic region. 2002
• Table 21 Migration within municipalities. 2002