The year 2021 began for Finland, in terms of population, with fewer births than deaths. However, the country continued to gain population thanks to the arrival of immigrants.
According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, Finland's population was 5,537,046 at the end of January. The number of births was 873 lower than that of deaths, but still the country's population increased by 900 persons during January.
"The reason for the increase was migration gain from abroad, since immigration exceeded emigration by 1,403," the statistical office says.
According to the preliminary statistics for January, 2,120 persons immigrated to Finland from abroad and 717 persons emigrated from Finland. The number of immigrants was 863 lower and the number of emigrants 513 lower than in the corresponding period of the previous year.
In all, 629 of the immigrants and 484 of the emigrants were Finnish citizens.
More births
During January, 3,979 children were born, which is 72 higher than in the corresponding period in 2020. The number of deaths was 4,852, which is 163 higher than one year earlier.
According to the preliminary data, the number of inter-municipal migrations totaled 21,423. Compared with the corresponding month in 2020, the increase was 63 migrations according to the municipal division of 2021.