How well do migrants integrate into Nordic societies? The Nordic Statistics Database has released updated data on migration and integration, offering insights into labour markets, education, and social trends. This harmonised and comparable dataset helps researchers, policymakers, and the public understand how integration unfolds across generations in the Nordic countries.
A key tool for accessing this data is the updated integration and migration dashboard, which provides a user-friendly overview of foreign-born individuals and their descendants across the Nordics.
“Reliable, comparable data is essential for shaping policies that support social and economic inclusion,” says Vitor Miranda, who leads Nordregio’s work on the Nordic Statistics Database. “This new dashboard makes it easier to track long-term integration trends and compare developments across the Nordic countries.”
A joint Nordic effort
The Nordic Statistical Institutes have collaborated on migration and integration statistics since 2015 with funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers. The first results were published in 2018, and the latest data update was carried out in 2024*.
(*Note: Data for Iceland is currently pending due to ongoing methodological revisions by Statistics Iceland.)
Key insights at a glance
The dashboard offers interactive data visualisation and filtering options, making it easier than ever to explore:
- Labour market participation and employment rates
- Educational attainment and enrolment trends
- Demographic and population composition
Users can also refine their search by region of birth, duration of stay, and reasons for residence permits. Each graph includes links to the source matrices with additional details and metadata.
Why do we need Nordic data?
The integration and migration dataset is an important resource for understanding how migration shapes Nordic societies. Its value lies in:
- Cross-country comparability: Unlike national statistics, which may use different definitions and classifications, this dataset follows harmonised key indicators, allowing for direct comparisons.
- A long-term integration perspective: By distinguishing between foreign-born individuals and their descendants, the data provides insights beyond first-generation migrants.
- Regional and socio-economic insights: Filtering by region of birth, duration of stay, and other factors helps reveal patterns in integration.
- Employment and education outcomes: These key indicators help assess economic and social inclusion.
- Policy relevance: Developed in collaboration with national statistical institutes, the dataset serves as a solid foundation for policymaking on migration and integration.
Explore the data and track migration trends in the Nordic Statistics Database:
About the Nordic Statistics Database
The Nordic Statistics Database is a comprehensive collection of harmonised statistical data, covering key societal trends across the Nordic countries. Managed under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers, it compiles data from national statistical institutes, international organisations (such as Eurostat and the OECD), and other Nordic data providers.
Since October 2023, Nordregio has taken on the role of counselling, communicating, and developing activities around the Nordic Statistics Database. This strengthens Nordregio’s position as a Nordic knowledge hub for regional data, statistics and research. By working closely with national statistical agencies and the Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordregio ensures that decision-makers and researchers have access to reliable and comparable data.
