Norway’s birth rate increases in reversal of years-long trend

Norway Sees Sustained Rise in Birth Rates

After years of decline, Norway’s birth rate is showing steady growth. According to new data from Statistics Norway, a total of 43,200 babies have been born so far in 2025, marking an increase of 1,200 compared to the same period in 2024.

“Some 43,200 babies have been born so far in 2025, which is 1,200 more than in the first three quarters of 2024,” said senior consultant Magnus Haug of Statistics Norway. “Unless there is a substantial drop in the fourth quarter, we will see the birth rate increase for the third year in a row and the total fertility rate rise.”

In the third quarter alone, 15,400 babies were born, contributing to a population growth of 11,400 people. Norway’s population now stands at approximately 5.62 million. The upward birth trend was observed across all six municipal "centrality" categories, which classify regions based on their level of urbanization. This holds true even after adjusting for changes in the age distribution of women.

“However, it should be noted that fertility remains low by historical standards,” Haug added.

The positive figures suggest that the prolonged decrease in birth rates across the 2010s has begun to reverse. In 2017, Norway recorded a fertility rate of only 1.71 children per woman—the seventh consecutive year of decline and significantly below the replacement level of 2.1.

Overview of the Shift

Analytical Perspective

The gradual increase signals a potential stabilization in Norway's demographic outlook. While fertility remains historically modest, the steady rise across multiple regions hints at renewed confidence among families and the potential effectiveness of family-support policies.

Author’s Summary

Norway’s birth rate has climbed for a third consecutive year, reversing a decade-long decline and pointing toward a modest demographic recovery.

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The Local Norway The Local Norway — 2025-11-20

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