Population and population change, Q3 2007

During the first three quarters of 2007, immigration to Norway totalled 43 800, an increase of 9 800 from last year. Polish citizens still constitute the largest group of immigrants. In the third quarter, 3 850 Polish citizens immigrated to Norway, bringing the total this year to 9 600, an increase of 2 750 on 2006.

4 721 600 residents

The population in Norway increased by 17 000 in the third quarter, to 4 721 600 on 1 October. The population increase was 5 600 higher than in the same quarter last year, and was due to increased immigration. The number of immigrants in the third quarter was 18 700, an increase of 5 200 from the same period last year. Total emigration was about 400 lower than last year. The excess of births, 5 400, was about the same.

Strongest growth in Oslo and Akershus

Of the total population increase of 17 000, Oslo and Akershus had the strongest growth with 6 200, or 37 per cent. All counties except Nordland, Troms and Finnmark experienced an increase in the population. These counties had a population decline of 600. Relative to the population, the decline was largest in Finnmark. The population decline in Northern Norway was due to an internal migration deficit.

There was more immigration than emigration in all counties in the third quarter. The highest net migration from abroad was found in Oslo with 2 100. Twelve counties had an internal excess of migration. The three northernmost counties together with Møre og Romsdal and Sogn og Fjordane had the highest internal migration deficit.

Birth deficit in Telemark

15 400 children were born in the third quarter, which is about 1 000 fewer than in the same period last year. About 9 900 persons died, which is more or less stable from last year.

All counties except Telemark experienced an excess of births over deaths in the third quarter. The excess of births was highest in Oslo, Rogaland, Hordaland and Sør-Trøndelag.