• Sweden edition

Stockholm population reaches highest level since 1960s

Published: 14 Aug 08 15:05 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/13700/20080814/

Sweden's population grew by 32,094 during the first half of this year amid continued high immigration, while population figures for Stockholm municipality passed the 800,000 mark for the first time since the 1960s.

According to a new report by Statistics Sweden, Sweden's total population hit 9,215,021 at the end of June.

The main reason for the increase in Sweden's population is that immigration sharply exceeds emigration. During the first six months of 2008, 44,957 people moved to Sweden while 21,998 left the country. The largest group of immigrants after Swedish citizens are Iraqis and Poles.

During the first six months, there was a population increas in 15 out of 21 counties. The largest growth occurred in Stockholm County, which grew by 0.78 percent or 15,289 persons.

Stockholm municipality has the most new inhabitants, increasing by 7,448 persons to a total of 802,611 inhabitants.

Stockholm is not the only place to experience a large population increase. The population of Kumla municipality in Örebro County, central Sweden, has exceeded 20,000 inhabitants for the first time.

However, growth for Hofors municipality in Gävleborg County, eastern Sweden was negative, with the population falling below 10,000 for the first time in recent history.

Birth stats meanwhile are continuing to rise steadily: during the first six months of 2008, 56,035 children were born, an increase of 1,294 children compared to the same period in 2007.

Marriage is also on the up, by 5 percent from 19,293 to 20,205, compared to the first half of 2007. Most couples are tying the knot on a Saturday, 10,894 to be exact. The number of divorces has increased by 4 percent.

Claudia Rodas (news@thelocal.se)

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