Who Are The Immigrants In Norway?
Who Are The Immigrants In Norway?

Author(s): Minja Tea Dzamarija
Subject(s): Migration Studies, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Immigrants; Norway; migration;
Summary/Abstract: Migration related statistics and analyses are in high demand by government agencies, the media and the public at large. There are several reasons why it is important to have knowledge of the immigrants’ situation in Norway. Lack of knowledge can give rise to unfounded opinions and false presumptions in public debates on immigration issues, and grater knowledge of the immigrants’ background and living conditions can bring about a greater understanding between immigrants and other Norwegians. A solid base of knowledge is also important information for politicians when making important decisions that are of concern to immigrants and integration. The aim of the integration policy in Norway is to provide incentives and opportunities for participation in the workforce and in community life. The word ‘diversity’ pops up continually in public and social debates when issues such as immigration and immigrants are discussed. Based on the interest that society shows in immigrants and integration, it seems that issues related to diversity have become everyday topics of conversation in Norway. With 5.3 million inhabitants, Norway is a small country on a global scale, but we have one of the fastest growing populations in Europe, according to figures from Eurostat- the statistical office of the European Union. At the beginning of 1970, there were 59 000 immigrants and Norwegian-born to immigrant parents or 1.5 per cent of the Norwegian population. At the beginning of 2019, these groups had risen to 944 000 persons or 17.8 per cent of the population. Diversity is an appropriate word to describe the composition of the Norwegian population. As of 1 January 2019, Norway was home to immigrants with a background from a total of 220 countries and autonomous regions.

• Details
• Contents