From the first half of 2006 to the first half of 2009, the population of 76 municipalities increased. 40 of these were outlying districts. – It is particularly gratifying that the trend of growth in population in several outlying districts continues, says Government and Regional Minister Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa.
While there were 202 municipalities with population growth in 2006, the number has reached to 278 municipalities in 2009. 177 of them are in the country
This is also the first time in the period of 1998-2009 that the scattered of the country’s total population has increased. Most part of the change appears to stem from an increase immigration to small municipalities, while the rate of the migration from them decreased compared to the previous years.
– Although the trends are now positive in many places of the country, it still requires a long and powerful effort to get people have a real freedom in the choice of residence, noted Kleppa.