Population and population change, Q3 2008

The population reached 4 787 000 on 1 October. The population increase of 17 900 is the highest ever registered in a single quarter, and was 900 higher than in 2007.

A total of 19 150 ¹ persons migrated to Norway and 7 300 left during this period, resulting in a net inward migration of 11 850 ¹ . In the third quarter last year, the net inward migration was 11 600, while in previous years it was almost 6 000 at its peak.

Polish citizens continue migrating to Norway

Of the 16 300 immigrants without Norwegian citizenship arriving in the third quarter, 67 per cent were Europeans. Polish citizens dominated, with 3 450 migrating to Norway, compared to 3 850 during the same quarter in 2007. While slightly fewer Polish citizens migrated to Norway during the third quarter than on average for the first two quarters this year, more Swedish and German citizens migrated to Norway than on average for the first two quarters.

Many children born

A total of 15 900 children were born in the third quarter; 600 more than last year. A total of 9 800 persons died; 100 fewer than in the corresponding period last year. The birth surplus thus reached 6 100; 12 per cent higher than in the same quarter in 2007. Oslo had the highest birth surplus (1 500), and only two counties saw a birth deficit, Hedmark (60) and Oppland (30).

In the first three quarters of 2008, 46 550 children were born, whereas the number of deaths was 30 900. This resulted in a birth surplus of 15 650; 16 per cent higher than the corresponding period of 2007.

Largest population growth in central areas

Forty per cent of the population growth took place in Akershus and Oslo, and 23 per cent in Rogaland and Hordaland. Sogn og Fjordane, Nordland and Finnmark experienced a population deficit due to domestic migration loss.

Nine counties experienced domestic migration loss in the third quarter

All counties had an inward migration surplus from abroad, with Oslo having the highest figure

(3 100). Ten counties had a domestic migration surplus, with Akershus having the highest figure (650). Nine counties had a domestic migration deficit, with Nordland having the highest (600).

In the first three quarters of 2008, Oslo had the highest inward migration surplus from abroad (8 600). Ten counties had a domestic migration surplus, with Akershus having the highest figure (1 800). Nine counties had a domestic migration deficit, with Nordland having the highest (1 150).

Population growth in 263 municipalities in the first three quarters of 2008

The population increased in 263 municipalities in the first three quarters of 2008, and decreased in 163 municipalities. Apart from the four largest cities, Bærum had the biggest population growth (1 300). As has been the case in recent years, centralised municipalities experienced a population increase, while less centralised areas were more likely to see a migration loss as well as a birth deficit.

Birth deficit in many inland municipalities

A total of 226 municipalities saw a birth surplus, whereas 190 experienced a birth deficit. Of the 10 municipalities with the largest birth deficit, nine were situated in the inland counties Hedmark and Oppland.

¹ Corrected 21 November 2008.