Iceland’s population grows by over 2,000 in second quarter of 2023

Iceland’s population grew by more than 2,000 in the second quarter of this year, primarily due to both natural increase and immigration. As of June 2023, the total population reached 386,970, according to new figures from Statistics Iceland, which utilized an improved method for calculating population numbers.

During the second quarter, the population increased by 2,230; with 1,090 births recorded against 640 deaths, resulting in a natural increase of 450 people. Additionally, 1,780 more individuals moved to Iceland than left it, with 180 holding Icelandic citizenship and 1,600 being foreign nationals. A total of 3,680 residents departed during the same period, with a notable number being males.

In terms of gender distribution, there are nearly 10,000 more men than women in the country. The number of women immigrating surpassed that of those leaving, but the overall ratio shows men at 198,360, women at 188,420, and 180 individuals identifying as non-binary or another gender.

Foreign nationals comprised 17 percent of the total population by the end of June, amounting to 65,870 people. Approximately 63 percent of Icelanders reside in the capital region, which accounts for 246,770 individuals, compared to 140,200 living in the rest of the country.

Statistics Iceland has enhanced its population calculation methodology, moving beyond mere residential registration to include a broader range of public data, including tax records and student data, in addition to the national registry.