Record number of immigrations in 2012

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data in 2012, the number of immigrants into Finland was 30,420 of which foreign citizens represented 22,750. The migration gain from abroad was 16,800 persons, which is at the same level as one year earlier. Migration gain from abroad accounted for twice the population growth compared to the excess of births to deaths. The preliminary population figure at the end of 2012 was 5,426,090.

Population increase by month 2010–2012*

During 2012, Finland's population increased by 24,820 persons, which is 1,370 fewer than one year previously. The main reason for the population increase was migration gain from abroad: the number of immigrants was 16,800 higher than that of emigrants. Natural population increase, or excess of births to deaths, was 8,030 persons.

According to the preliminary statistics for 2012, 30,420 persons immigrated to Finland from abroad and 13,620 persons emigrated from Finland. The number of immigrants was 940 higher and the number of emigrants 960 higher than in the previous year. In all, 7,670 of the immigrants and 9,470 of the emigrants were Finnish citizens. Finland received migration gain from immigration of foreign citizens and migration loss from the emigration of Finnish citizens.

During 2012, 59,490 children were born, which was 470 fewer than in 2011. The number of deaths increased by 880 from the year before and amounted to 51,470. The excess of births to deaths was 8,030 persons, according to the preliminary data for 2012. Natural population increase was thus 1,350 lower than in 2011.

According to the preliminary data, the number of inter-municipal migrations totalled 279,180 in 2012. Inter-municipal migrations decreased by 2,360 persons compared to 2011 according to the municipal division of 2012.

A record number of Finnish citizenships were granted in 2012. A total of 8,840 new Finnish citizenships were granted, which is nearly double the number granted in 2011.

According to preliminary data by region, the population grew in absolute numbers most in the regions of Uusimaa and Pirkanmaa. The population increase in Uusimaa was 17,420 persons of which international and domestic migration represented 10,660 persons. The second biggest population increase was seen in Pirkanmaa, 3,840 persons. The relative population increase was also highest in Uusimaa 1.1 per cent and in Pirkanmaa 0.8 per cent. The preliminary population figure at the end of 2012 for Uusimaa was 1,566,480 and 495,310 for Pirkanmaa. Twenty nine per cent of Finland's population lived in Uusimaa and nine per cent in Pirkanmaa.

The growth in the size of the population accelerated most in the region of Uusimaa, where the population increase in 2012 was 670 persons more than in 2011. The next largest acceleration in population growth was seen in Pirkanmaa. There the population increase amounted to 240 persons more than in the previous year. Relative to the population, the population developed most positively in the regions of Kainuu and South Karelia.

According to the preliminary statistics, population loss was greatest in South Savo, where the population decreased by 1,070 persons. The population loss was created mostly from the drop in excess of births to deaths. The second biggest population loss was seen in Kainuu, 610 persons. Relative to the population, population loss was greatest in the same regions, but the relative loss in Kainuu was larger than in South Savo. The preliminary population figure at the end of 2012 for South Savo was 152,670 and 80,690 for Kainuu. Three per cent of Finland's population lived in South Savo and one and a half per cent in Kainuu.

Population growth slowed down most in 2012 in Ostrobothnia. There the population grew by 560 persons, that is, population increase remained 650 persons lower than in the previous year. Population growth slowed down the second most in Kanta-H�me, where the population increase in 2012 was 230 persons, which is 460 persons less than in the previous year. Relative to the population, population growth slowed down most in �land and in Ostrobothnia.

During 2012, migrations between regions numbered 124,780, which is 1,770 lower than one year before. In absolute numbers, the biggest gain from migrations between regions was seen in Uusimaa and in relative terms, the biggest gain was seen in �land. The migration gain in Uusimaa was 3,080 persons and 100 persons in �land. In absolute numbers, the highest loss from migrations between regions was seen in Lapland and in relative terms in Kainuu. The migration loss in Lapland was 850 persons and 540 persons in Kainuu.

Source: Population and Cause of Death Statistics. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Marja-Liisa Helminen 09 1734 3273, Irma Pitk�nen 09 1734 3262

Director in charge: Riitta Harala

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Updated 22.1.2013

Referencing instructions:

Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Preliminary population statistics [e-publication].
ISSN=2243-3627. December 2012. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 22.11.2024].
Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/vamuu/2012/12/vamuu_2012_12_2013-01-22_tie_001_en.html