http://finance.yahoo.com/news/immigrants-lift-nordic-population-growth-152200214.html;_ylt=AwrBEiJt0AdTxy0AT4bQtDMD
Immigrants Lift Nordic Population Growth
February 20, 2014 10:22 AM
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Record-breaking immigration raised Sweden's population an estimated 0.93%
in 2013, the fastest rate of growth since 1970. Statistics Sweden said
refugees from Syria, Somalia and elsewhere drove the increase. Relatively
strong economic growth since the recession has helped draw immigrants.
Similarly, Norway's population grew 1.1% in 2013, Statistics Norway said.
More than 60% were from other European countries, led by Poland and
Lithuania, but Eritrea and Somalia ranked third and fourth in countries of
origin. Immigration is high but has been declining, partly because Norway's
economic advantage over Europe has narrowed, and partly because Norwegians
have signaled in polls and at the ballot box that they have less appetite
for immigration.
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In contrast with Norway and Sweden, sluggish economic growth in Denmark and
Finland has deterred migrants. All four countries have relatively lenient
immigration policies and welcome refugees. However, Finland is mired in
recession, while Denmark faces rising debt and delinquencies and a weak
labor market.
Lower rates of immigration will limit Finland and Denmark's long-term
growth, since immigrants tend to have higher birth rates. Weak economic
growth also affects birth rates; Finland's fell for a third consecutive
year in 2013.
Bradley Turner<
http://www.economy.com/dismal/bios.asp?author=351&tid=AC45E28E-CE24-451B-AE36-E3FDF13FADD6>is
an Associate Economist at Moody's Analytics.
Received on Fri Feb 21 2014 - 17:23:19 EST