Immigration and Integration in the Nordic Countries: 2016-2022

Population Statistics

As of January 1, 2022, the Nordic countries had 3.9 million immigrants and 1.17 million descendants, making up 18% of the population. Most of these individuals live in Sweden. The largest immigrant groups are from Syria and Poland, with Estonia being the main origin for immigrants in Finland.

Trends in Net Immigration

The report shows a significant increase in net immigration to the Nordic region from 1990 to 2022, driven by labor migration, refugee flows, and changes in immigration policies. In 2022, net immigration reached its highest level, largely due to the war in Ukraine. However, differences in registration practices across the Nordic countries mean these figures should be interpreted carefully.

Education and Integration

The study measures integration by looking at participation in education and employment. In Finland, Norway, and Sweden, about 30% of immigrants aged 16-29 were in secondary education, while participation in higher education was generally lower. In Denmark, only 13% of immigrants were in secondary education, and 19% in higher education in 2021. Descendants of immigrants participate in education at much higher rates than immigrants.

Employment and Integration

Employment rates among immigrants aged 20-64 are generally lower than those of the native population. Descendants aged 20-44 have slightly higher employment rates than immigrants but still lag behind the native population. Finland has the lowest employment rates for immigrants, while Norway has the highest. Immigrants from Africa and Asia have lower employment rates compared to those from other regions.

Impact of Length of Stay

Employment rates vary significantly based on the length of stay. In Sweden, employment increases with the length of stay, peaking for those with more than 15 years of residence. In Denmark and Norway, there is a slight decline in employment rates after 15 years of residence.

NEET Rates Among Young Immigrants

Young immigrants aged 20-29 have significantly higher rates of being neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET) compared to descendants, with levels about twice as high as the native population.

Conclusion

This report highlights the need for harmonized registration practices and provides valuable insights into the integration of immigrants and their descendants in the Nordic countries.

Read the full report here.