Lack of potential migrants in remote areas marks new phase in internal migration
Deaths exceeding births in many communities
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A new demographic trend is emerging in Finland.
The urban migration process has emptied some areas so thoroughly, that there are few people left in age groups that are likely to migrate.
The average age of the remaining population has grown, and deaths exceeded births last year in 284 Finnish municipalities. In 1990 the number was just 180.
Last year 293 municipalities had more people moving in than moving out, while 248 had a net migration deficit. In 1990 the situation was more balanced, with 217 municipalities with a migration surplus and 221 with a deficit.
Population numbers are declining especially in Eastern Finland, both as a result of migration, and because of low birth rates. The trend also affects areas with traditional heavy industry and electronics factories.
A study by Statistics Finland shows that migration was greatest out of Imatra, Lieksa, Kotka, Kemi, Kemijärvi, Kuhmo, and Suomussalmi.
Migration was greatest to Espoo, Helsinki, Vantaa, Oulu, Tampere, Jyväskylä, and Turku.
Helsingin Sanomat
