Nordregio is an international research institute established by the Nordic Council of Ministers

25 March 2026

State of the Nordic Region 2026

State of the Nordic Region 2026 provides an overview of recent developments across the Nordic Region. With data, maps and analysis, the report shows the current state of play within core socioeconomic sectors, including demography, labour markets and the economy.

Take a look at the recording of the online launch on 25 March to see some of the report highlights.

The report highlights how multiple, partially overlapping transitions shape the Nordic Region and why territorial context matters for effective policy. Combining a Nordic-wide perspective with place-based analysis, State of the Nordic Region 2026 offers insights from local, regional and national levels, as well as cross-regional comparisons. As such, it equips policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with analysis and evidence to inform strategic planning, policy design and cross-regional learning.

The report covers 10 chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction

THEME 1 – DEMOGRAPHY

Chapter 2: Population change in the Nordic Region

Chapter 3: The Nordic population in 2045: Larger, older and more urban

Chapter 4: Nordic population diversity by country of birth

THEME 2 – LABOUR MARKET

Chapter 5: The Nordic labour market from a labour force perspective

Chapter 6: Labour market dynamics from a sectoral perspective

Chapter 7: Exploring labour market vulnerability and resilience

THEME 3 – ECONOMY

Chapter 8: Nordic regional economies in turbulent times

Chapter 9: Economic perspectives on critical infrastructure in the Nordic Region

Chapter 10: The role of innovation in the Nordic green rush

State of the Nordic Region 2026 is available as a digital publication, downloadable PDF, and a print copy.

All maps featured in the publication are available and downloadable in our online map gallery. You can also zoom in and explore a selection of maps in an interactive format.

Publication facts

State of the Nordic Region 2026

Publication date: 25 March 2026

Nordregio Report 2026:2

ISBN: 978-91-8001-189-1 (digital)

ISBN: 978-91-8001-190-7 (PDF)

ISBN: 978-91-8001-191-4 (print)

ISSN: 1403-2503

DOI: http://doi.org/10.6027/R2026:2.1403-2503

Authors

Maria Bobrinskaya (Ed.)

Thomas Niedomysl (Ed.)

Karina Berbert Bruno

Debora Pricila Birgier

Ágúst Bogason

Maja Brynteson

Hjördis Gudmundsdottir

Timothy Heleniak

Anna Lundgren

Daniel Pils

Nora Sánchez Gassen

Elin Slätmo

Madelene Sonesson

Carlos Tapia

Hedda Thomson Ek

Patrik Tornberg

Communications

Miia Itänen

KEEP DISCOVERING

Below are the latest research results produced and published by Nordregio, on regional development and planning in the Nordic Region.