A pregnant woman and the baby’s father explore the contents of a maternity package in Turku on 14 January 2025. Finland’s birth rate once again reached the lowest level in recorded history. LEHTIKUVA
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Finland’s population growth in 2024 was driven almost entirely by immigration, as birth rates reached record lows for the third consecutive year, according to preliminary data released by Statistics Finland.
The country’s total population grew by approximately 33,000, reaching 5.64 million at the end of December.
This growth was fuelled by a net influx of 63,049 immigrants, the second-highest figure on record, despite a decline of over 10,000 arrivals compared to 2023.
Birth rate hits historic low
While more children were born in 2024 than the previous year — 43,711 compared to 43,383 in 2023 — the total fertility rate dropped to 1.25, the lowest in Finnish history. This figure represents the average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime if current birth rates persisted.
“The decline in the birth rate seems to be stabilising, but it remains at a historically low level,” said Joni Rantakari, Chief Actuary at Statistics Finland.
Birth rates were highest in Central Ostrobothnia, with a fertility rate of 1.72, and lowest in Kymenlaakso at 1.06. The most significant increases occurred in Pirkanmaa and Southwest Finland, while Åland saw the sharpest decline.
Immigration sustains population growth
Net immigration offset the ongoing natural population decline, as deaths outnumbered births by approximately 13,000. Ukrainians formed the largest group of immigrants, with 13,551 arriving in 2024, although this figure was nearly 6,400 fewer than the previous year.
Rantakari noted that many Ukrainians included in the statistics likely transitioned from temporary protection permits to registering for residency in Finland. Immigration from Nepal and Pakistan also increased, while arrivals from Russia and Estonia decreased.
Regional growth concentrated in urban areas
Population growth was most pronounced in urban regions. Uusimaa, home to the capital Helsinki, recorded the largest increase, adding 23,628 residents in 2024. Pirkanmaa and Southwest Finland also saw significant growth, while regions such as Kymenlaakso and South Ostrobothnia experienced the steepest population declines.
Internal migration further boosted urban growth. Uusimaa recorded a net gain of 5,526 residents from other regions, while Pirkanmaa gained 7,282 residents. Rural regions, such as Kainuu and North Ostrobothnia, saw the highest migration losses.
Despite the population increase, the ongoing decline in birth rates and an aging population present long-term challenges. Statistics Finland projects that net immigration must remain high to sustain population growth. If current trends persist, Finland’s population could reach six million within 15 years.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
