Population

10. May 2024
Population on 1 April: 54,642

The population growth is continuing for the tenth consecutive year. This growth has, however, slowed down somewhat over the past two years, as can be seen in the graph below, which shows the population trend since 1985. 

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The population trend is determined by net migration (the difference in the number of immigrants and emigrants) and the excess of live births over deaths. The population growth in the past year comes from an excess of births of 151 people and a net migration figure of 269 people. Excess of births and net migration figures have gone down compared to the previous 12-month period, resulting in slower overall population growth.

Less migrations

The graph below indicates falling trends in both immigration and emigration in the past two years. Immigration appears to be decreasing slightly more than emigration, resulting in a lower net migration figure.

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Fewer births

The graph below shows a downward trend in both birth rates and death rates over the past two years. The trends indicate that the downward trend for death rates seen in the past two years has levelled off, while the downward trend for birth rates continues.

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More long-term residents

Long-term resident growth appears to have stagnated in the past three years, despite continued overall population growth. Newcomers previously drove this growth, but the trend has shifted. In the past year, 63% (264 out of 420) of new residents were long-term residents, compared to only 25% the year before.

To qualify as a long-term resident, an individual must have either lived in the Faroes for half their lives or for 7 out of 10 consecutive years at some point in their lives. This status can change. Fluctuations in the total number of long-term residents can be caused by the four main factors influencing population trends as well as residents gaining or losing long-term resident status.

Read more about long-term residency on the theme page.

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All-time high in six municipalities

The Faroes have enjoyed population growth for ten years, and many municipalities register record-high population figures month after month. On 1 April, six municipalities recorded all-time high population figures.

Tórshavn municipality, which saw more than half of the total population growth last year, is approaching a population of 23,300. The second-highest growth was in Klaksvík municipality, which surpassed 5,500 for the first time. Next up is Runavík, which is approaching 4,400. Vága municipality has now surpassed 2,200 residents for the first time. Nes municipality is approaching 1,550, and the ongoing growth in Sjóvar municipality has brought the population past 1,200.

The table below shows the population across all 29 municipalities, with details for each town and village on 1 April 2023 and 1 April 2024.

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