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Population growth in North Norway

Photo: Barentsphoto.com

Statistics Norway estimates that northern Norway will have a major population increase over the next 20 years, mainly due to work immigration.

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The three northernmost counties of Norway have experienced rapid population decline since the 1960s. Over the next 20 years Statistics Norway believe that North Norway will increase it’s population by 34 000 inhabitants. The main reason for the growth will be more work immigrants and higher life expectancy.

This week Statistics Norway released their estimates for the Norwegian population development between 2008 and 2030. The largest population growth in northern Norway will be in Troms County, where Tromsø, the largest city in the Region, will get half of the growth. Statistics Norway believes that it is mainly the larger cities which will experience growth, while the population decline in rural municipalities will continue.

Recently, the Norwegian minister of Labour and Social Inclusion presented a new white paper, making it easier for Russians and other workers outside the EEA to apply for jobs in Norway. It is therefore likely to believe that work immigration over the next 20 years might be even higher than what Statistics Norway has estimated.