Finland needs babies: 34,493 births and 39,880 deaths so far this year

Finland's population at the end of September was 5,525,487 people, according to Statistics Finland. During January to September, Finland's population increased by 7,568 persons due to immigration gain from abroad: the number of immigrants was 13,388 higher than that of emigrants.

In fact, this arrival of immigrants is the only thing that allows the country to continue gaining population: the number of births was 5,387 lower than that of deaths.

The figures also show that Finland desperately needs more babies. From January to September 2019, a total of 34,493 children were born in the country, which is 1,896 fewer than in the corresponding period 2018. The number of deaths was also lower 39,880 (1,019 less than one year earlier).

24,618 persons immigrated

Altogether 24,618 persons immigrated to Finland from abroad and 11,230 persons emigrated from Finland during January-September period.

The number of immigrants was 929 higher and the number of emigrants 4,442 lower than in the previous year. In all, 7,038 of the immigrants and 7,660 of the emigrants were Finnish citizens.

The population grew only in Uusimaa, Pirkanmaa, Southwest Finland, North Ostrobothnia and Åland so far this year.

The population grew most in absolute numbers in Uusimaa (+14,239 persons). The next largest increase in population was seen in Pirkanmaa (+2,418 persons). Relative to the population, population growth was highest in Uusimaa (8.5 per mil), in Pirkanmaa (4.7 per mil) and in Åland (3.2 per mil).

Population loss was highest in absolute numbers in the region of South Savo (lost 1,705 persons) and Kymenlaakso (decreased by 1,663 persons). Relative to the population, the biggest population loss was found in South Savo (11.9 per mil).