High Norwegian population growth

Photo by Statistic Norway.

The Norwegian population has passed 4.8 million. The population growth from 2007 to 2008 was 62,100, up by 6,000 from the year before, and was the highest since 1920.

Last year, 60 500 children were born in Norway and 41 700 persons died. Since 1973, the number of children born has been higher only in 1990, 1991 and 1996. Not since around 1980 has the number of deaths been lower than during the period 2004-2008.

As in later years, there was an excess of births over deaths in all counties except Hedmark, Oppland and Telemark. The highest natural increase took place in Oslo, with 5 400 more births than deaths.

Experts believe the well developed system for maternity care and maternity/paterity leave is part of the reasons for the Norwegian baby-boom.

The average age in Norway is now 39, but there are great variations between the different regions. The average age is lower in the region centers and in the coastal regions in the south and west, while there are many older inhabitants in the municipalities along the border with Sweden.

Source: Statistic Norway.