Population and population change, Q1 2006

With the increase of 9 100, Norway’s population is now 4 649 300. More than half of the increase came in Oslo and Akershus, whereas the population decreased in six counties., as it also did in the first quarter of 2005. In three of these counties - Sogn og Fjordane, Nordland and Finnmark - domestic migration was the reason for the decrease. In Oppland and Telemark birth deficit was the main reason, while Hedmark experienced both. All counties saw a net immigration from abroad.

14 400 were born in the first quarter of 2006. This constitutes 500 more than last year’s first quarter. 10 700 died, 500 less than last year. Hedmark, Oppland and Telemark all saw a birth deficit in the first quarter. Oslo had the largest birth surplus with 1 120 persons, followed by Akershus, Rogaland and Hordaland.

10 500 persons immigrated to Norway and 5 200 emigrated in the first quarter of 2006. The figures for the same period in 2005 were 8 700 and 5 100 respectively. This resulted in a net immigration of 5 300, which was 1 700 more than last year’s. The net immigration in the first quarter of 2006 represented well over half of the population increase of 9 100.

Among foreign citizens, the highest net immigration was seen among Poles (1 230), Swedes (350), Germans (330) and Somalis (300). Norwegians made up the largest group of emigrants (420), as 1 720 immigrated and 2 140 emigrated.